Islamabad: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh met with H.E. Harerimana Fatou, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, to discuss enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties. The discussions highlighted potential sectors for collaboration and Rwanda’s invitation to Pakistan for an upcoming investment forum.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting took place with the presence of senior officials from the Board of Investment, including Director General Abdul Samie and Director Irfan Marwat. Federal Minister Sheikh expressed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating investment and trade relations with Rwanda, emphasizing the importance of strong economic ties.

High Commissioner Fatou extended a formal invitation to Minister Sheikh for the Rwanda-Pakistan Investment Forum in Kigali, scheduled for late September. She highlighted Rwanda’s interest in engaging with Pakistani businesses, particularly in pharmaceuticals and textiles, and suggested that the forum would foster direct interactions between stakeholders from both nations.

The dialogue also focused on the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize future cooperation, and the benefits of a Bilateral Investment Treaty were considered. Minister Sheikh assured support for addressing logistical challenges faced by Rwanda due to its landlocked status and stressed the potential for direct import opportunities in sectors like tea.

Rwanda’s interest in importing Pakistani products and the significance of regular interaction to expand mutual trade were underscored. Minister Sheikh reiterated the Board of Investment’s commitment to facilitating these initiatives and invited the High Commissioner to explore academic collaborations in Pakistan.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to enhance institutional coordination and private-sector engagement, aiming to unlock the potential for increased bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and Rwanda.