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High Commissioner of Rwanda Harerimana Fatou. — APP/File
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KARACHI: Rwandan High Commissioner Haririmana Fatu has encouraged the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to develop bilateral trade and investment ties with Rwanda by coordinating with the Rwanda Development Board.
Addressing a meeting during his visit to KCCI on Friday, he said, “Despite being a small country, Rwanda is keen to cooperate with Pakistan. Being small and landlocked is not an option for Rwanda. Not restricted. As a member of the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Union, Rwanda’s open market policy makes it easily accessible , Pakistani businesses in the African region for their free trade Provides an opportunity to benefit from contracts.
Highlighting Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa Policy’, the Rwandan High Commissioner emphasized Rwanda’s potential as a gateway for Pakistani investors, particularly in the mining and minerals sectors. He emphasized Rwanda’s skilled workforce, safe environment and liberal policies that create a conducive environment for foreign investment.
“Setting up a business in Rwanda is straightforward and can be completed online in two hours through the Rwanda Development Board. Visa-on-arrival facilities are also available at Rwandan airports.
The High Commissioner highlighted Rwanda’s thriving tourism sector, which contributes 65 percent of the country’s income. He noted that Rwanda attracts about two million tourists annually thanks to its safe environment, exceptional customer service, luxurious hotels and breathtaking scenery.
Turning to Pakistan’s tea imports, he revealed that 45 per cent of the tea imported into Pakistan comes from Rwanda, though it originates from Kenya. Karachi’s business community should consider importing tea directly from Rwanda instead of Kenya. I am here to connect you with Rwandan tea and coffee producers to promote direct exports from Kigali to Karachi,” he added.
He also said that Rwanda exports minerals, vegetables and pulses in small quantities which can be expanded while Pakistan exports limited quantities of rice, cooking oil and pharmaceuticals to Rwanda. “We import these products in large quantities from India and China. Why are they not exported from Pakistan?” he questioned.
Appreciating Pakistan’s progress in IT and Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said that Rwanda’s entire road lighting system is managed by AI technology developed by Pakistanis.
The High Commissioner noted that due to increased engagement with the business community and the 2023 visit of the Senate President of Rwanda to Pakistan seven months ago. The Rwandan embassy was opened. He expressed his pride in serving as the first High Commissioner of Rwanda in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan established its embassy in Rwanda in 2021, with bilateral relations dating back to 1962.
Welcoming the High Commissioner of Rwanda, KCCI President Javed Balwani hailed Rwanda’s status as one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in manufacturing, fintech, infrastructure, energy, education, electric vehicles and tourism.
Despite these opportunities, Balwani noted that Pakistan’s exports to Rwanda in FY24 were $4.67 million, while total exports to Africa were $2 billion, which is about 6.5 percent of the country’s total exports. He stressed the importance of expanding bilateral trade and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
He further observed that as agriculture-driven economies, Pakistan and Rwanda have significant potential for joint ventures in food processing, cold chain facilities, storage and logistics. Such measures can increase the value of agri-food and deepen the relationship between the two countries.
