Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, also addressed the gathering and echoed similar sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for enhanced economic cooperation between the two nations
DNA
Rwanda Keen to Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Pakistan Through Coffee Trade Islamabad, January 29, 2026 – Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, emphasized his country’s strong interest in expanding relations with Pakistan during his address at the inauguration of the first-ever Rwanda Coffee Festival in Islamabad today.
The two-day event, held at the Mövenpick Hotel, featured various stalls showcasing premium brands of Rwandan coffee, allowing attendees—including importers, roasters, business leaders, and government officials—to sample and explore the East African nation’s renowned specialty brews. Organized by the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Pakistan in collaboration with Rwanda’s National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the festival aims to introduce Rwanda’s high-quality coffee to the Pakistani market and foster direct business partnerships.
In his speech, Minister Sebahizi highlighted Rwanda’s global reputation as a leading coffee exporter, drawing a parallel to Pakistan’s prominence in rice production. “Rwanda is famous for its exceptional coffee exports, just as Pakistan is celebrated worldwide for its quality rice,” he stated. “In Rwanda, Pakistan is well-known as a producer of premium rice.
Likewise, we aspire for Rwanda to become recognized in Pakistan—and beyond—as a source of top-tier coffee exports.”The minister described his recent meetings with Pakistani government officials as highly fruitful, expressing optimism about future collaborations. He noted that these interactions have laid a solid foundation for deeper trade, investment, and bilateral engagement.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, also addressed the gathering and echoed similar sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for enhanced economic cooperation between the two nations. He underscored the mutual benefits of diversifying trade partnerships, noting Pakistan’s interest in importing high-quality specialty coffees while highlighting opportunities for Rwandan businesses to explore Pakistan’s robust rice and other agricultural exports.
Minister Khan praised the initiative as a practical step toward building stronger commercial links and pledged continued support from his ministry to facilitate smoother market access and joint ventures.
Rwanda’s coffee sector supports hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers and has seen export growth in recent years, with the country eager to diversify markets like Pakistan, which already imports Rwandan tea and shows growing interest in coffee and other products.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to boost Rwanda-Pakistan ties, including discussions on trade agreements and mutual market access. The festival includes panel discussions on coffee industry opportunities, B2B meetings, and networking sessions to connect exporters and importers directly.
Both ministers concluded by looking forward to more interactions, stating that enhanced cooperation would deliver economic benefits to both nations.
