Eco-tourism is needed for the sake of sustainable development in this sector of the country, said speakers at a roundtable in Chittagong yesterday.

To preserve wildlife, gain revenue, develop remote areas' surroundings, and to improve economy such tourism is important, they said.

The roundtable was organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in partnership with Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in the city's Bangabandhu Hall of World Trade Centre.

At the event, Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin emphasised increasing facilities on the tourist spots.

Dr Anupom Hossain, a sports and tourism specialist, in his  keynote paper, stressed formulation of an eco-tourism policy.

Dr Shahadat Hossain, director of Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Chittagong University, said the policy can be formulated by involving academicians, research organisations and businesspersons concerned.

Chaired by CCCI President Mahbubul Alam, the programme was also addressed by FNF Country Representative Dr Najmul Hossain and FBCCI Secretary General Mir Shahabuddin Mahmud.