Haikou (TDI): Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood represented the D-8 at two high-level events in Haikou, China, as the organization seeks to expand its economic, health and institutional partnerships across Asia.
At the invitation of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Secretary-General Ambassador Zhang Jun, Sohail Mahmood participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation Roundtable and the 2026 Haikou Conference of the Global Health Forum from September 15 to 17.
The events brought together nearly 300 participants from more than 30 countries and regions, including senior government officials, international organizations, business leaders, academics, think tanks, civil society representatives and media organizations.
The Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation Roundtable, held on September 15, focused on the theme “Toward an Asia-Pacific Community: Vision and Action.”
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood spoke during a high-level session on accelerating regional economic integration toward the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
He highlighted the Asia-Pacific’s role in global economic growth, trade and investment and called for greater openness, connectivity and practical cooperation to sustain regional economic activity.
The D-8 secretary-general also emphasized stronger policy coordination, resilient supply and value chains, closer links between regional trade arrangements and greater use of innovation and digital technologies.
He highlighted the D-8’s efforts to expand trade and economic cooperation and the potential for stronger economic links between its nine member states and partners across Asia.
Sohail Mahmood also participated in discussions on the Asian economy amid the Middle East crisis, regional connectivity and supply-chain resilience, and the digital economy and global governance in the era of artificial intelligence.
Read More: PMs of Pakistan, Bangladesh to Meet on Sidelines of D-8 Summit in Jakarta
On September 16, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood attended the opening and plenary session of the Global Health Forum, held under the theme “Health for All: Innovation Shapes the Future.”
He later participated in a panel on building a more multipolar, efficient and sustainable global health governance mechanism. Mahmood identified stronger institutions and broader ownership, universal health coverage based on equity and innovation, and sustained results-oriented cooperation as priorities for the global health system.
Read More: D-8 Secretary General’s 2-Day Visit to Ankara Strengthen Institutional Ties
He also highlighted the potential of digital health, telemedicine and artificial intelligence to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare. Drawing on the D-8’s experience, he pointed to the complementary capabilities of member states in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology, medical technologies, digital health, research and public health.
He called for greater capacity-building, joint research, technology partnerships and, where feasible, co-development and co-production.
On the sidelines of the events, Mahmood held talks with BFA Secretary-General Zhang Jun on regional and global economic developments, trade integration and opportunities to strengthen institutional cooperation between the D-8 and Boao Forum for Asia.
The discussions also covered potential cooperation in trade and investment, business-to-business links, connectivity, innovation and sustainable development. Mahmood separately met Bangladesh’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain to discuss practical cooperation within the D-8 health agenda.
He briefed the minister on recent progress by the D-8 Secretariat and upcoming initiatives, including the D-8 ministerial meeting on health in Türkiye. The Bangladeshi minister reaffirmed Dhaka’s support for D-8 health initiatives and its readiness to contribute to their implementation.
On September 17, Mahmood visited several technology and innovation facilities in the Hainan Free Trade Port, including Haikou Bio City, Bloomage Biotechnology Industrial Park, Fullsing Town International Digital Port and Hainan University Science Park.
The visits provided an opportunity to examine China’s experience in biotechnology, digital innovation and cooperation between research institutions and industry.
Established in 2001 and headquartered in China, the Boao Forum for Asia promotes economic cooperation and development in Asia and beyond.
The D-8 said Ambassador Sohail Mahmood’s participation marked the organization’s first representation at Boao Forum high-level events and formed part of the secretariat’s efforts to expand international outreach, develop partnerships and translate dialogue into practical cooperation.
Mahmood expressed appreciation to Zhang Jun, the Boao Forum for Asia, Hainan authorities and the Hainan Free Trade Port for their hospitality and arrangements. He also thanked Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and his team for their support during the visit.
