Speeches and Remarks

Ambassador Moriarty toured the American SuperSpecialty Hospital in Dhaka on July 9, the day the Intensive Care Unit opened. “This hospital represents a commitment by private U.S. investors to doing business in Bangladesh,” the Ambassador explained. | In Bangla (PDF)

Remarks at American SuperSpecialty Hospital Ambassador James F. Moriarty

July 9, 2009

Good afternoon. Thank you for joining me here at American SuperSpecialty Hospital. I am delighted to visit the hospital today because it exemplifies many positive aspects of U.S.-Bangladesh economic relations. This hospital represents a commitment by private U.S. investors to doing business in Bangladesh; this hospital represents a commitment to high-quality health care for Bangladesh; and this hospital represents a commitment by non-resident Bangladeshis to the development of their homeland.

Let me describe these commitments a little further. First, the commitment by private U.S. investors. American Hospital Consortium, which owns and operates this hospital, is a group of U.S. doctors and healthcare professionals who have invested millions of dollars in the health care sector in Bangladesh. Since 2005, these investors, including Dr. Habibullah here with me today, have worked hard to modernize this facility and open its doors to the public. The U.S. investors supporting this project remain committed to investing millions more dollars to expand the hospital even further.

Second, American SuperSpecialty Hospital represents a commitment to high-quality health care for Bangladesh. The doctors and health care professionals investing in this hospital are also contributing their medical expertise to this venture. They are working here at the hospital and advising their colleagues on the latest trends in health care. They are bringing their knowledge, which incorporates the latest innovations in medicine, to serve patients here. And they hope to share this knowledge with new generations of Bangladeshi health care workers, including nurses, who are desperately needed in Bangladesh.

Finally, this hospital represents a commitment by non-resident Bangladeshis to the development of their homeland. Many of the investors and medical consultants contributing to this venture are Bangladeshis settled in the United States, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. With this project, these Bangladeshis are demonstrating their desire to give back to their native country. They want to share their knowledge, their expertise, and their wealth with people here to improve the quality of life in Bangladesh.

It is a privilege to witness what these investors and scientists are doing here at American SuperSpecialty Hospital. This venture and the people behind it represent the best of both the United States and Bangladesh. I look forward to seeing American SuperSpecialty Hospital grow and expand. And I look forward to new ventures coming to Bangladesh from the United States that build on this success, in health care and many other fields.

Thank you for joining me today; I’d be happy to take a few questions now.