ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Rwanda have explored ways to establish direct maritime routes from Karachi to key East African ports such as Djibouti and Mombasa, aiming to tap into East Africa’s vast consumer market of 500 million people, valued at over $300 billion.
This came during a meeting between Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Rwandan High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou in Islamabad on Thursday, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Department.
They also reviewed proposals to cut shipping costs by up to 30 percent and reduce transit times through a Karachi–Djibouti shipping line to support bilateral trade.
The minister said that Gwadar port in Balochistan is being positioned as a future export hub for Africa, opening up new opportunities for Pakistani textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agri-tech products while facilitating imports of Rwandan tea, coffee, and avocados.
He noted that the initiative is consistent with Pakistan’s blue economy strategy and aims to unlock trade potential under international maritime frameworks.
Junaid Chaudhry highlighted that although Rwanda is landlocked, its strategic location allows it to use Djibouti and Mombasa as key gateways for trade with Pakistan.
He added that establishing direct maritime links would streamline Pakistani exports to East Africa and enhance access for Rwandan goods to South Asian markets.
Both sides also discussed business-to-business platforms, including the proposed Africa House, to help enterprises take advantage of emerging trade corridors and strengthen commercial linkages.
Enhanced connectivity through these new sea routes is expected to cut transit times by weeks, boosting the competitiveness of Pakistani exports and making Rwandan produce more attractive in regional markets.
Rwandan High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou emphasised that stronger logistics integration could unlock untapped potential in areas such as sustainable agriculture and light manufacturing.
She added that reliable sea links would enhance Rwanda’s agricultural exports while enabling Pakistan to diversify its export base.
It may be recalled that Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier JP Nduhungirehe visited Pakistan in April 2025 to strengthen bilateral ties.
A business delegation also accompanied him during the visit and had participated in a trade event in Lahore.
