Healthcare cooperation could deepen South Asian connectivity, business links and people-to-people relations

MM Rahmatullah: Pakistan has expressed interest in expanding medical tourism cooperation with Bangladesh, opening a promising avenue for strengthening bilateral economic ties, healthcare connectivity and people-to-people relations in South Asia.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider said medical tourism offered considerable scope for cooperation between the two countries, highlighting the potential for healthcare-related travel to complement conventional tourism and create new business opportunities.

"Apart from conventional tourism, we also have fields like medical tourism, where we see a lot of scope," Haider said on Thursday while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026 in Dhaka.

The 14th edition of the international tourism exhibition began at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon, bringing together tourism operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and other industry stakeholders from 16 countries.

Highlighting Pakistan`s growing interest in this specialised segment, Haider said two companies representing the country`s medical sector were participating in the fair to explore opportunities and establish connections with Bangladeshi counterparts.

Their participation reflects the potential to develop new partnerships between healthcare providers, travel operators and businesses, paving the way for greater exchanges in medical services and tourism.

For South Asia, where geographical proximity, cultural familiarity and comparatively accessible travel can facilitate cross-border exchanges, medical tourism could emerge as a practical area of regional cooperation. Bangladesh and Pakistan could explore opportunities for patients seeking specialised treatment, medical consultations, diagnostic services and rehabilitation, subject to the quality, affordability and accessibility of healthcare services.

Such cooperation would require transparent information about treatment costs, recognised medical facilities, professional standards and patient support services. Strong partnerships between hospitals and travel operators could also help patients and their families navigate treatment arrangements and travel requirements.

Haider placed the proposed cooperation within the broader context of strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan through increased people-to-people contacts.

"Our leadership in both countries is emphasising increased people-to-people contacts, and in this regard, tourism plays a very important role," he said.

He noted that tourism could bring the peoples of the two countries closer by encouraging cultural exchanges and providing opportunities to experience their respective historical heritage, traditions, cuisine and natural attractions.

Both countries possess diverse tourism resources, ranging from historical landmarks and cultural sites to scenic landscapes and distinctive culinary traditions. Promoting these attractions through stronger tourism partnerships could encourage more travel, support local businesses and create employment opportunities across the hospitality and service industries.

The high commissioner also stressed the importance of making tourism a more prominent component of bilateral engagement, describing it as an effective instrument of people-to-people diplomacy.

"I think we need to focus on this aspect of diplomacy and try to increase the relationship in this field," he said.

From a broader South Asian perspective, cooperation in tourism and healthcare could contribute to stronger regional economic links. Medical tourism, in particular, connects several sectors, including hospitals, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, transport, insurance and travel services. Well-designed partnerships could generate business opportunities while giving patients greater access to information about available treatment options.

However, the long-term success of such initiatives would depend on practical arrangements, including patient safety, reliable medical information, appropriate referral systems and clear mechanisms for addressing complaints and follow-up care.

Haider thanked the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), particularly its president, for inviting the Pakistani delegation to participate in the exhibition. He also appreciated the Pakistani participants for representing their country and contributing to efforts to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy.

Expressing optimism about future cooperation, he said the fair could help expand tourism opportunities, strengthen business networks and broaden bilateral engagement.

"We hope that in the coming days, this cooperation will increase further, and this platform will be used to increase tourism opportunities and expand the scope of cooperation in this field," he said.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury inaugurated the fair as the chief guest.

Organised by TOAB under the theme "AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination", the three-day exhibition will continue until October 31.

According to the organisers, the fair features more than 200 booths and stalls, over 220 exhibitors and approximately 2,500 trade visitors. Participants from 16 countries are showcasing tourism products, services and investment opportunities.

The exhibition aims to promote international tourism cooperation, facilitate business partnerships and encourage technological innovation and sustainable tourism development.

Pakistan`s emphasis on medical tourism adds a specialised dimension to the event, presenting an opportunity to explore cooperation beyond conventional travel. If supported by credible healthcare partnerships and practical business arrangements, the initiative could contribute to stronger Bangladesh-Pakistan economic engagement while creating a new channel for regional connectivity across South Asia.