Islamabad: The High Commissioner of Rwanda met with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, to discuss expanding trade and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. This meeting, following the establishment of Rwanda’s embassy in Islamabad, is seen as a significant step toward enhancing economic cooperation. The discussions focused on the potential for opening new trade markets, with Rwanda’s economic growth making it an appealing partner for Pakistan.

According to Press Information Department, the Commerce Minister highlighted the economic potential of Rwanda, noting that the country’s growing GDP is on par with that of Ethiopia. This positions Rwanda as an attractive market for bilateral engagement. Minister Khan emphasized the importance of organizing a broader East African Community (EAC) trade forum in Islamabad, proposing that the event be co-chaired by the President of the EAC and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The minister suggested potential mutual trade benefits, such as Rwanda exporting tea to Pakistan and Pakistan supplying rice to Rwanda.

The meeting also explored trade opportunities in sectors such as power, agricultural machinery, food, and pharmaceuticals. Minister Khan proposed collaboration between Rwanda and Pakistan’s chambers of commerce to facilitate business matchmaking. He stressed the significance of high-level interactions involving heads of state to strengthen ties and suggested that the planned EAC Business Forum should include the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to pave the way for long-term partnerships.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner expressed interest in Pakistan’s electric bikes and the automobile sector, indicating new avenues for bilateral trade. The minister highlighted Pakistan’s progress in mobile phone manufacturing and expertise in electric bikes, footwear, and textiles as potential areas for collaboration. Pakistani tractors, known for their cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency, were also identified as a valuable export to Rwanda. Both parties committed to exploring new markets and enhancing economic cooperation, with Minister Khan pledging to engage EAC member states to ensure the proposed business forum’s realization. The meeting underscored the potential for Pakistan and Rwanda to establish a dynamic trade partnership, leveraging each other’s strengths for economic growth.