Pakistan today expressed interest in expanding medical tourism cooperation with Bangladesh, identifying healthcare-related travel as a promising avenue for strengthening bilateral tourism partnerships and people-to-people contacts between the two South Asian countries.

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

The 14th edition of the international tourism exhibition began at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Agargaon here.

Highlighting the potential for healthcare-related tourism, the Pakistani envoy said two companies representing Pakistan's medical sector were participating in the exhibition, demonstrating growing interest in exploring opportunities in this specialised tourism segment.

He expressed hope that such participation would help establish business connections, facilitate exchanges between stakeholders and create opportunities for future cooperation in medical tourism.

Haider said both Bangladesh and Pakistan possessed considerable potential to expand tourism exchanges beyond conventional leisure travel, particularly through specialised tourism services.

The high commissioner emphasised that tourism could play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations by promoting greater people-to-people connectivity and mutual understanding.

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

The envoy said tourism offered an effective platform for bringing the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan closer by encouraging cultural exchanges and creating opportunities to explore each other's historical heritage, traditions and natural attractions.

He highlighted the rich tourism resources of both countries, including historical landmarks, cultural diversity, traditional cuisine and scenic landscapes.

Haider said visitors could experience the diverse attractions of Bangladesh and Pakistan at affordable costs, making tourism exchanges between the two countries particularly promising.

He underscored the importance of giving greater attention to tourism as an instrument of people-to-people diplomacy and strengthening cooperation in the sector.

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

The high commissioner thanked the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), particularly its president, for inviting the Pakistani delegation to participate in the international tourism fair.

He also appreciated the Pakistani participants for representing their country and contributing to efforts to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy.

Haider expressed optimism that the exhibition would help expand tourism opportunities, strengthen business networks and broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation.

"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.

The fair features participation from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, bringing together tour operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and other tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders.

According to the organisers, the exhibition features more than 200 booths and stalls, over 220 exhibitors and approximately 2,500 trade visitors.

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