Minister Tony Kajangwe and High Commissioner of Pakistan, Naeem Khan with some Investors from Pakistan
On the first day of the forum, around 30 Pakistani investors and 40 Rwandan investors explored investment opportunities in both countries, according to Tony Kajangwe (T.K.), Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry. Below, he speaks to Andre Gakwaya of the Rwanda News Agency (RNA) about the forum and the opportunities it presents.
T.K – The Forum is increasing bilateral trade, investment opportunities in different sectors. This Forum can play a great role between the bilateral trade and economic ties. Rwanda and Pakistan already share very strong bilateral trade, economic and political ties. Today’s investment and business Forum is a representation of strengthening those ties. Having thirty (30) business leaders from Pakistan joined with over 40 from Rwanda here today provides and demonstrates these growing commercial ties. So far we’re seeing a lot of goods trade for tea, for plastic waste, a lot of it is exported to Pakistan. We import a lot of rice from Pakistan as well. So these are areas of collaboration that can grow. Potentially looking into other areas like pharmaceuticals, surgical goods, even into services sectors like education, healthcare, IT services and even increasing and promoting tourism between both countries. In addition, it’s called the future of Singapore.
Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan in Rwanda, Pervaiz Bhatti with an Investor
RNA – Why is Rwanda called the future Singapore of Africa? How do you feel like in the future we can potentially connect to Asian countries like Pakistan potentially?
T.K – Rwanda’s development agenda has always been to work and collaborate with partners globally. East, West, North, South and really strengthen our collaboration and our engagement with the global community. And so we see growth in partnership and business with Asia, whether through air links. Today Rwanda air flies to more than 30 countries, a lot of them in the Middle East. It’s looking to expand its coverage and networks. We are looking to expand, of course, our business travels, business participation. Part of it is driven by trade and having our business leaders moving to countries, exporting goods, importing goods, logistics as well. And Pakistan is naturally a connector between Africa and Asia. So this is an opportunity for continued growth and we see that happening over the next few years. We’ve now established diplomatic relations, formal diplomatic offices, our embassy in Islamabad, embassy here in Kigali. So it’s very important. We want to attract more investment from Pakistan as well to come and establish here and use Rwanda as a launch pad to invest across the continent. Just initiating the new idea of the new airport. It’s the second biggest in Africa and the first one in East Africa. Will we see direct air flight between Pakistan and Rwanda in the near future? That’s the hope.
Juliana Muganza (RDB) with women Investors from Pakistan