By Khawaja Hamza

Islamabad: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Trade with Rwanda to strengthen bilateral commercial cooperation under the government’s Look Africa Policy.

The non-binding agreement will establish an institutional framework to promote trade between the two countries through the creation of a Pakistan-Rwanda Joint Working Group on Trade, regular official consultations, and enhanced engagement between businesses and trade organizations.

The MoU is aimed at expanding trade, facilitating investment opportunities, and strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Rwanda.

Pakistan first shared a draft Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with Rwanda in July 2018. Following multiple rounds of consultations through diplomatic channels, inter-ministerial discussions, and a virtual meeting between officials, both sides agreed to replace the proposed BTA with a broader and more flexible Trade MoU.

The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is expected to take place in the coming weeks, marking a new step in strengthening economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Rwanda.