ISLAMABAD, 25 SEP (DNA) — The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and leading business leaders have hailed the finalization of the Pakistan-Rwanda Trade Cooperation Agreement, praising High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, H.E. Harerimana Fatou, for her efforts to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries
In a message here on Friday, FPCCI, President, Atif Ikram Sheikh appreciated the efforts of High Commissioner Fatou and described Rwanda as an emerging economy in East Africa with growing opportunities for Pakistani businesses.
President FPPCI said the finalization of the Trade Cooperation Agreement was an important milestone in Pakistan-Rwanda economic relations and could provide a stronger foundation for expanding bilateral trade, investment and private-sector cooperation.
Atif Ikram said Rwanda’s strategic position in East Africa makes it an important partner for Pakistan, particularly for businesses looking to expand into African markets. He noted that the agreement could help create new opportunities for trade diversification and economic integration between the two countries.
The agreement was finalized in the context of the Rwanda-Pakistan Investment Forum 2026 in Kigali, which brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and private-sector representatives from both sides.
President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sardar Tahir Mehmood also appreciated High Commissioner Fatou’s efforts to promote closer economic relations between Rwanda and Pakistan. He said Rwanda’s geographical and economic position gives it the potential to serve as a gateway for Pakistani companies seeking access to East African and wider African markets.
Sardar Tahir said the new trade framework could provide opportunities for businesses from both countries to access each other’s markets and explore partnerships in investment, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and other sectors. President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Usman Shaukat also praised High Commissioner Fatou for her efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
He described Fatou as an active diplomat in Islamabad who had played an important role in promoting greater engagement between the Pakistani and Rwandan business communities. Usman Shaukat welcomed the Trade Cooperation Agreement, saying the development could encourage Pakistani businesses to explore Rwanda as a market and as a potential production and regional distribution base.
Business leaders said the agreement comes at a time when Rwanda is seeking to strengthen its position as an investment and production hub in East Africa. They expressed hope that the new framework would translate into increased business-to-business engagement, investment partnerships and greater movement of goods and services between the two countries.
They also called for continued engagement between chambers of commerce, private-sector organizations and government institutions to turn the agreement into practical commercial opportunities. The business community expressed optimism that the agreement would mark the beginning of a broader phase of Pakistan-Rwanda economic cooperation, with greater emphasis on trade, investment, regional connectivity and private-sector partnerships. — DNA
