Vietnam yesterday expressed its interest to launch direct flights between Hanoi and Dhaka.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien relayed this interest in a meeting with State Minister for Civil Aviation M Mahbub Ali at the latter's office at the secretariat, said a press release.

"If direct communication is established by air, the relationship between the people of these two friendly countries will be further enhanced," Pham Viet Chien said.

Mahbub Ali said the two countries have many opportunities to work together for the development of the tourism industry and aviation sector.

The launch of direct flights between Bangladesh and Vietnam will boost trade and commerce between the two countries as well as connect people, he also said.