Rwanda Reaffirms Support for Expanding Private-Sector Partnerships with Pakistan
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatou, reaffirmed her country’s readiness to support all private-sector ventures between Pakistan and Rwanda during a virtual business meeting jointly organized by the Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Highlighting the shared vision of South–South cooperation, High Commissioner Fatou stated that both nations are committed to deepening trade and investment linkages across multiple sectors. “Rwanda serves as a gateway to East Africa, while Pakistan stands as a vibrant market economy in South Asia — together, we can drive meaningful outcomes through constructive business collaboration,” she said.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF), Rwanda Development Board, and Pakistan’s Trade Development Authority (TDAP), who exchanged views on emerging opportunities and practical steps to expand bilateral trade.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh identified agro-processing, manufacturing, and services as promising areas for partnership. Commending Rwanda’s investor-friendly climate, he remarked that its policies offered “a model for other African economies,” and proposed the establishment of a Pakistan–Rwanda Business Council, alongside negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
A representative of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation noted that the dialogue would accelerate the implementation of memoranda already signed between FPCCI and PSF, further institutionalizing business-to-business cooperation.
Presenting an overview of Rwanda’s economic landscape, a Rwanda Development Board representative highlighted transparent regulations, zero ownership restrictions for foreign investors, and competitive tax regimes as key factors attracting global investment. He invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in logistics, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
TDAP Director General Abdul Karim emphasized the need to reduce non-tariff barriers to enhance market access and underscored the importance of sustained engagement through trade fairs and single-country exhibitions. He also announced Pakistan’s intent to organize a dedicated trade exhibition in Rwanda to showcase Pakistani products and services.
An interactive session followed, during which business leaders from both countries discussed sector-specific opportunities and identified potential areas of collaboration. The discussions focused on enhancing logistics connectivity, exploring joint ventures, and developing institutional mechanisms to facilitate private-sector partnerships between Pakistan and Rwanda.
