Kenya and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Kenya’s High Commissioner, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Peter Mbogo Njiru.
The discussions centred on leveraging Pakistan’s strategic location as a gateway between Central Asia and the East African Community (EAC), highlighting its potential as a bridge for trilateral trade relations.
Minister Khan emphasized Pakistan’s unique position to connect Central Asian Republics (CARs) with East Africa, outlining opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and commodities. He noted that Pakistan, already a major importer of Kenyan tea, sees significant potential to expand its imports to include African coffee, pineapples, and other products.
Similarly, Pakistan invited Kenya to explore opportunities in exporting Himalayan pink salt, marble, and cement. Pharmaceuticals were identified as a burgeoning sector for bilateral trade, with both sides acknowledging the importance of fostering collaboration in this area.
Highlighting established banking channels between the two nations, Khan stressed the need to expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EAC. The MoU, currently under review by Pakistan’s law division, is seen as a critical step in enhancing trade relations.
To further strengthen ties, Khan proposed hosting an East Africa-focused trade conference in Pakistan. He suggested extending the initiative to include CARs, creating a platform for comprehensive dialogue and robust trade corridors.
The minister also underscored Pakistan’s thriving industries, such as surgical instruments and sports goods, and recommended the High Commissioner visit key industrial hubs like Sialkot and Gujranwala. Additionally, he highlighted opportunities for Kenyan engagement with Pakistan’s power transmission sector, proposing a meeting between Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Njiru and Pakistan’s Minister for Power.
Njiru expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s proactive approach, remarking, “You opened the door before we knocked.” He acknowledged recent trade milestones, such as tractor exports from Pakistan to Kenya, and pointed to architectural similarities between the two countries as a growing area of mutual interest.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to accelerate formalizing trade agreements and coordinating visits to explore further opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and innovation. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of Kenya-Pakistan relations, envisioning strengthened ties that benefit both regions.
