Pakistan, Rwanda set to deepen trade, investment ties

September 10, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Rwanda are set to deepen bilateral economic ties through greater investment cooperation, direct trade, stronger business-to-business engagement and closer institutional coordination.

The development came during discussions between Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Rwandan High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Harerimana Fatou at the BOI, according to a release issued on Thursday.

The two sides reviewed opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment, enhance private-sector linkages and identify new areas of economic cooperation, according to APP.

The discussions also centered on the upcoming Rwanda–Pakistan Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 23 to 25, 2026.

Harerimana invited Qaiser to participate in the forum, which is expected to bring together government representatives, investors and private-sector stakeholders from Pakistan and Rwanda.

She said the event was designated as an Investment Forum following discussions with Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce, reflecting the scale of available investment opportunities and the focus on private-sector participation.

Rwanda expressed interest in Pakistani pharmaceuticals and textiles, while rice, medical equipment and sports goods were identified as products offering significant export potential in the Rwandan market.

The Rwandan High Commissioner said business relations between the two countries had increased by more than 55% since she assumed her diplomatic responsibilities in Pakistan, indicating further room for expansion.

The two sides also considered signing a Memorandum of Understanding between relevant institutions and exploring a Bilateral Investment Treaty in the future to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for investment cooperation.

Direct tea trade was another key area discussed, with Rwanda seeking to increase its tea exports to Pakistan without unnecessary intermediaries. The country currently supplies tea to Pakistan, although a significant share reaches the Pakistani market through Kenya.

A Rwandan delegation is expected to visit Pakistan in October 2026 to engage with Karachi's tea industry and explore opportunities for stronger direct commercial ties.

Logistical constraints linked to Rwanda's landlocked position, along with banking, payment-transfer and intermediary-related challenges, were also discussed.

The BOI assured support in addressing these issues and proposed greater involvement of chambers of commerce, business associations and private-sector stakeholders to develop practical solutions and establish sustainable business linkages.

Pakistan also highlighted the broader potential of African markets for local businesses, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, healthcare, engineering and sports goods.

The discussions further covered educational and institutional cooperation, including a proposed visit by the Rwandan High Commissioner to FAST National University in Chiniot to explore academic cooperation, student exchanges and other institutional linkages.

Both sides agreed that stronger institutional coordination, direct private-sector interaction and regular engagement would be important to unlock the potential of Pakistan-Rwanda economic relations.

The BOI reiterated its commitment to facilitating Rwandan investors in Pakistan and Pakistani businesses seeking opportunities in Rwanda, with the objective of developing sustainable and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

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