Pakistan, Rwanda Seek Stronger Trade, Investment and Business Ties
ISLAMABAD, Clear Skies Magazine: Pakistan and Rwanda have expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation, with both sides emphasizing the need to explore new commercial opportunities and facilitate stronger private-sector linkages.
The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting of the FPCCI Federal Capital Standing Committee on Corporate & Multinational Companies Affairs held at FPCCI Capital House, Islamabad, with H.E. Ms. Fatou Harerimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan, as Chief Guest.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI; Mr. Tariq Jadoon, Vice President FPCCI; Mr. Muhammad Shafique Swati, Convener; Ms. Ayesha Khan, Deputy Convener; Mr. Rashid Humayun; Ms. Robeela Bangash; Dr. Joharia Azhar; Ms. Samiya Sohail; Mr. Asim Abbassi; Ms. Shamaila Ambreen; Mr. Aftab Rehman; Ms. Tania Khan; Mr. Amjad Agha; Mr. Muhammad Ishfaque; Syed Mehdi Raza; Dr. Humaira Ambreen; Ms. Farwa, President KWCCI; and Mr. Dost Ali Jan, SVP RSCSI, along with a large number of committee members, business leaders and representatives from the business community.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Esdras Kwibuka, First Secretary of the Embassy of Rwanda, who participated in the discussions and further elaborated on the investment and business opportunities highlighted by the Ambassador.
The proceedings commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Rwanda. Ms. Ayesha Khan, Deputy Convener, welcomed the Chief Guest, FPCCI leadership, committee members and distinguished guests and outlined the objectives of the meeting.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, appreciated her presence and emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan-Rwanda economic relations, bilateral trade, investment, commercial partnerships and ease of doing business. He encouraged the private sectors of both countries to identify practical and mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.
Mr. Muhammad Shafique Swati, Convener of the Committee, presented the Committee’s vision, objectives, achievements and performance over the past two and a half years. A documentary presentation highlighting the Committee’s activities and accomplishments during 2024–2025 was also screened for the participants.
During the open-floor discussion, members of the Committee and representatives of the business community actively participated and exchanged views on challenges facing Pakistan’s corporate and private sector. Discussions also focused on investment opportunities in Rwanda, policy reforms, improving the business environment and strengthening public-private sector collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Ms. Fatou Harerimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan, highlighted the immense potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment between Rwanda and Pakistan. She briefed the participants on Rwanda’s transparent governance, investor-friendly environment, business-friendly policies and incentives available to international investors.
The Ambassador encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to explore Rwanda as a strategic gateway to East Africa and the wider African market, particularly through the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to a market of more than 1.4 billion consumers.
She identified several promising sectors for bilateral cooperation, including tourism, agriculture and agri-products, information technology and innovation, healthcare and medical services, education, trade and investment, infrastructure and real estate development.
The Ambassador further emphasized the importance of business delegations, people-to-people contacts, institutional cooperation and commercial partnerships to develop sustainable and long-term economic relations between Pakistan and Rwanda.
Mr. Esdras Kwibuka, First Secretary of the Embassy of Rwanda, also elaborated on the points raised by the Ambassador and highlighted opportunities for Pakistani businesses and investors to explore the Rwandan market.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stronger Pakistan-Rwanda trade, investment and business-to-business linkages, with an emphasis on practical initiatives, increased interaction between business communities and greater private-sector engagement.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Tariq Jadoon, Vice President FPCCI, who expressed sincere appreciation to the Chief Guest, FPCCI President, committee leadership, members, representatives of the Embassy of Rwanda and the large number of business community representatives for their valuable participation and contributions.
As a token of appreciation, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, presented the FPCCI Crest to H.E. Ms. Fatou Harerimana, Ambassador of Rwanda. The Convener also acknowledged and appreciated the active participation of committee members and distinguished guests.
The meeting concluded with a group photograph and networking session, providing participants an opportunity to further exchange views and explore potential avenues for enhanced trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Pakistan and Rwanda