Pakistan, Rwanda explore direct sea routes to tap East Africa market

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Rwanda to enhance bilateral cooperation, have started exploring direct sea routes from Karachi to major East African ports, including Djibouti and Mombasa, to reach the East African Community’s (EAC) with a 500-million consumer market of USD 300 billion.

The discussion on the bilateral matters, especially to reduce shipping cost by 30 percent between Rawanda and Pakistan were held here on Thursday during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Rwandan High Commissioner to Pakistan Harerimana Fatou.Both the sides also discussed proposals to cut shipping costs by up to 30 percent and significantly reduce transit times through a Karachi–Djibouti shipping line to support bilateral trade. Discussions also covered the potential Karachi–Mombasa route, which could strengthen regional integration and reinforce Pakistan’s maritime role across the EAC and beyond. Both sides explored business-to-business platforms, including the proposed Africa House, to help businesses capitalise on new trade corridors.

The minister said Gwadar is being positioned as a future export hub for Africa, creating new opportunities for Pakistani textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agri-tech products, while facilitating imports of Rwandan tea, coffee, and avocados. He said the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s blue economy strategy and aims to unlock trade potential under international maritime frameworks.

Junaid Chaudhry noted that Rwanda, despite being a landlocked country, is strategically placed to use Djibouti and Mombasa as primary gateways for trade with Pakistan. Direct maritime links, he said, would streamline Pakistani exports to East Africa while improving access for Rwandan goods to South Asian markets.

Improved connectivity is expected to cut transit times by weeks, enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani exports and making Rwandan produce more viable in regional markets. The talks were framed within key international maritime conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, UNCLOS and the Maritime Labour Convention, which the minister said provide uniform global standards for safe, efficient and sustainable shipping.

High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou said stronger logistics integration could unlock untapped potential in sectors such as sustainable agriculture and light manufacturing. Reliable sea links, she added, would boost Rwanda’s agricultural exports while enabling Pakistan to diversify its export base. Junaid Chaudhry concluded that as Gwadar develops into an Africa-focused maritime hub, new sea corridors could reshape Pakistan’s maritime footprint and promote inclusive growth across the Indian Ocean region.

Meanwhile, during a meeting with AD Ports Group, Junaid Chaudhry has urged AD Ports Group to rationalise terminal cargo handling charges at Karachi Port to make port operations more business-friendly and competitive. The AD Ports Group delegation was led by Regional CEO Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi and included Vice President Real Estate Abdulla Al Ansari, Board Member KGTL/KGTML Mustafa Ahmed, Country Head Pakistan AD Ports Adel Al Hosani, CEO KGTL/KGTML Khurram Aziz Khan, Project Manager Real Estate Adnan Ballaith, and Legal Advisor Saboor Karamat.

The federal minister emphasised the need to expedite the procurement of mechanisation and digitisation equipment, including cranes and loaders, to enhance efficiency and improve cargo handling at KGTL and KGTML terminals.

In response, AD Ports Group agreed to review the existing cargo handling charges. A negotiation committee has been constituted for this purpose comprising Chairman Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd) and the country representative of AD Ports Group which will submit its recommendations within seven days.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026