Pakistan and Rwanda are exploring the creation of direct maritime corridors linking Karachi Port with major East African ports to boost bilateral trade, improve market access, and lower shipping costs.
The initiative was discussed in a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Rwandan Ambassador Harerimana Fatou in Islamabad.
Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan plans to establish direct shipping routes from Karachi to Djibouti and Mombasa, two key logistical gateways serving the East African Community (EAC), home to over 500 million people with a combined GDP exceeding $300 billion.
He noted that a Karachi–Djibouti shipping line would significantly reduce transit times by bypassing intermediate ports, making exports faster and more cost-effective. Pakistan also aims to develop Gwadar Port into a specialised hub for African trade, especially with East African nations.
Given Rwanda’s landlocked geography, the new maritime route would enable the country to leverage existing inland road and railway networks connecting Djibouti and Mombasa to Kigali, improving its trade accessibility.
Trade between the two countries already includes Rwandan exports such as tea, coffee, avocados, and pulses, while Pakistan exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, electric bikes, mobile phones, and agricultural technology.
Both sides expressed interest in expanding B2B collaboration and holding trade forums to strengthen economic engagement. The minister added that the corridor project aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance its port connectivity across the Indian Ocean, stimulate export competitiveness, and deepen regional integration.
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