Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider says tourism can strengthen cultural exchanges and bilateral ties with Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair 2026 in Dhaka.
DHAKA, October 29, 2026: Tourism can play a vital role in strengthening cultural exchanges and bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider has said.
“People-to-people exchanges are crucial to enhancing bilateral relations between our two brotherly nations,” he said in response to a question from The Shuttle Times at the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion at the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair 2026 on Thursday noon.
The three-day fair has being at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon of the city and it will continue until October 31.
Haider described Pakistan's participation in the fair as a step towards strengthening ties between the two countries.
“We are very interested in gearing up our relationship,” he said, adding that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with Bangladesh in all sectors.
The high commissioner invited Bangladeshi visitors to explore Pakistan's diverse tourism attractions, cultural heritage and travel opportunities.
He also highlighted the potential of tourism to promote closer people-to-people contacts and create opportunities for business collaboration.
Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
Haider also attended the ceremony before inaugurating the Pakistan Pavilion.
Pakistani travel and tourism companies are showcasing the country's tourism offerings, including breathtaking natural landscapes, distinctive cultural traditions, traditional cuisine and medical treatment facilities.
Their participation aims to attract Bangladeshi travellers to Pakistan while promoting greater awareness of its tourism destinations and services.
The fair also offers a platform for tourism businesses to promote travel-related services, establish commercial contacts and explore opportunities for cooperation.
Haider's remarks come as both countries seek to strengthen engagement through people-to-people contact, cultural exchanges and cooperation across different sectors, with tourism offering another avenue to expand bilateral interaction.
