Pakistan and Kenya have agreed to double their bilateral trade over the next five years. This commitment was made during the second session of the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held in Islamabad.
The meeting was co-chaired by Jawad Paul, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, and Regina A. Ombam, Principal Secretary of Kenya’s State Department for Trade. Both sides described the JTC as a vital platform to strengthen economic ties and resolve trade-related issues.
The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in several key areas, including market access, export promotion, customs procedures, investment, animal quarantine, plant protection, and sanitary & phytosanitary measures. They also decided to boost collaboration in technical standards, pharmaceuticals, banking, trade dispute resolution, information technology, tourism, and industry.
Both nations emphasized the importance of increasing private sector participation and strengthening business-to-business linkages. Officials believe these steps will help unlock the untapped trade potential between Pakistan and Kenya.
Currently, bilateral trade remains modest, but both countries see significant opportunities in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and leather products. This agreement is expected to open new doors for Pakistani exporters, especially in East Africa.
The successful JTC meeting reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on expanding trade relations with African nations as part of its economic diplomacy.