A delegation led by Dr. Kalinda Francois-Xavier, President of the Senate of the Republic of Rwanda visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry and exchanged views with the business community to further enhance business and investment relations with Pakistan. Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, H.E. James Kimonyo Ambassador of Rwanda, Farooque A. Khawaja Honorary Consul General of Rwanda to Pakistan and others were in the delegation. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada also accompanied the delegation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kalinda Francois-Xavier, President of the Senate of the Republic of Rwanda said that bilateral relations between Rwanda and Pakistan are on good track and they want to further strengthen them in various fields including trade, investment, ICT and other sectors. He said that Rwanda is negotiating many MoUs with Pakistan to expand and deepen bilateral relations. He stressed that the Pakistani business community should explore Rwanda which offers great opportunities for business and investment.

H.E. James Kimonyo Ambassador of Rwanda briefed the business community about the comprehensive reforms in Rwanda for foreign investors including zero import tariffs, tax holidays, one stop shop facility and stressed that the Pakistani business community should invest in Rwanda in mining, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, financial services and other sectors as Rwanda is the best place for doing business. He said that Rwanda is considering opening its embassy in Pakistan that would help further improve bilateral trade ties.

Addressing the delegation, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry briefed the delegation about the role of SIFC, which is providing one window facility to investors. He said that under the guidance of COAS General Asim Munir, SIFC is getting significant investment from China and Arab countries and stressed that investors of Rwanda should also take benefit of its services to make investment in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and Rwanda should sign a preferential trade agreement to improve bilateral trade. He said that Rwanda should open its embassy in Pakistan, which is very important for improving bilateral relations. He said that both countries should encourage regular exchange of trade delegations to explore all untapped areas of mutual cooperation. He said that Pakistan can export many products to Rwanda including textiles, rice, pharmaceuticals, surgical & medical instruments, cement, processed food and others and stressed that Rwanda should increase its imports from Pakistan.

Senator Zeeshan Khanzada said that Rwanda is a good place for business and the private sector of Pakistan should explore it for business and investment activities. He said that ICCI input would be obtained to finalize the PTA with Rwanda.

Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Vice President ICCI said that ICCI is planning to take a delegation to Rwanda next year to interact with its private sector and explore the potential of Pakistani products in its market.

Zafar Bakhtawari, former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG stressed for direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Rwanda to improve people-to-people and trade ties.

Farooque A. Khawaja Honorary Consul General of Rwanda to Pakistan also highlighted the potential areas of mutual cooperation and some hurdles that should be addressed to improve trade relations. The delegation held B2B meetings with ICCI members.