Rwanda eyes enhanced trade, investment ties
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) played host to a high-level business delegation from Rwanda, fostering bilateral relations and exploring trade opportunities. The visit included B2B meetings and discussions on the extensive potential for collaboration in trade and investment between the two nations.
LCCI President, Kashif Anwar, extended a warm welcome to the Rwandan delegation, underscoring the economic significance of Rwanda in the heart of East Africa. He highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable economic progress, positioning it as an emerging force in the region. Anwar urged the Rwandan delegates to explore the diverse opportunities within the Pakistani market, stressing Pakistan’s readiness to meet Rwanda’s import needs with high-quality products at competitive prices.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Rwanda, Naeem Khan, praised Africa as a land of opportunities and described Rwanda as the “Singapore of Africa,” experiencing rapid development. Khan stated that Rwanda’s business-friendly environment, marked by safety, cleanliness, and green initiatives, with a streamlined one-window operation for facilitating businesses.
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Both parties acknowledged the need to direct trade routes between Pakistan and Rwanda, eliminating reliance on third countries. The High Commissioner expressed interest in joint ventures across various sectors, including agriculture machinery, rice, pharmaceuticals, sports equipment, and the IT sector.
Kashif Anwar highlighted Pakistan’s strengths in the pharmaceutical, automotive, furniture, gems and jewellery, construction materials, and safety equipment industries. He urged collaborative efforts to harness these sectors’ potential for mutual economic growth.
LCCI Senior Vice President, Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, highlighted the need to enhance the existing trade volume between the two countries. The Rwandan Commercial Attaché, Samuel Abikunda, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and conveyed the delegation’s interest in strengthening partnerships, underscoring Rwanda’s positive Ease of Doing Business index and its status as a safe country for business.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21th, 2024.
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