Rwanda HC Kwibuka Esdras calls on Minister for BOI Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh met with Harerimana Fatou, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, and Esdras, First Secretary at the Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan. The meeting focused on boosting bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Rwanda. Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the Rwanda High Commission's close collaboration with the Pakistani government and the Board of Investment.

He assured Rwanda that Pakistan values strengthening economic ties with the country and is committed to aiding investors and businesses from both nations. Harerimana Fatou thanked the Federal Minister for his time and emphasized that she had met him more than twice before. She mentioned that these frequent interactions made her feel welcome in Pakistan.

The High Commissioner conveyed that her visit aimed at inviting Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh to the upcoming Rwanda–Pakistan Investment Forum, which will take place from September 23–25, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda. She noted that the event was rebranded as an Investment Forum due to the vast opportunities and the goal of involving the private sectors of both countries.

She also highlighted Rwanda's interest in collaborating with Pakistani businesses, especially in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other sectors where Pakistan has strong industrial and commercial capabilities. The Forum would offer a platform for government representatives, investors, and private-sector stakeholders from both nations to engage directly, explore investment prospects, and forge business partnerships.

The Federal Minister asked about the growth in bilateral relations and business engagement since the High Commissioner's arrival in Pakistan. The High Commissioner replied that Rwanda–Pakistan business ties had grown by over 55 percent, indicating significant potential for further expansion. They also discussed the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Rwanda's relevant institutions.

Director General BOI Abdul Samie mentioned that the MoU could serve as a structural framework for future partnership, enabling regular interaction and mutual learning between the two sides regarding their respective investment ecosystems. The meeting also considered the potential for exploring Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) arrangements to reinforce the legal and institutional foundation for bilateral investment.