Kenyan HC speaks to PTEA office-bearers: ‘Vast untapped potential exists to expand trade and investment’

FAISALABAD: Kenya and Pakistan hold vast untapped potential to expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The rising interest of Pakistani entrepreneurs in forging stronger commercial ties with Kenya is an encouraging sign. This momentum offers a valuable opportunity to deepen business linkages, diversify trade, attract investment, and build a dynamic, mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.

Speaking at the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association on Wednesday, Kenyan High Commissioner Lt General Peter Mbogo Njiru (retd) said that it is highly encouraging to witness the strong commitment of Pakistani businessmen toward fostering trade linkages with Kenya. Business-to-business partnerships remain the cornerstone of sustainable commercial growth, serving as the most effective pathway to deepen economic cooperation and unlock long-term prosperity between the two countries.

He emphasized that Kenya stands fully open to foreign direct investment across all sectors, with the government firmly committed to providing comprehensive facilitation for international investors. He urged the Pakistani business community to seize the vast economic opportunities in Kenya, particularly in high-potential areas such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textile manufacturing, and leather industries.

Highlighting Kenya’s strategic location as a vital gateway to East Africa, he underscored that shipping goods from Karachi to Mombasa is both practical and cost-effective, making Kenya an ideal entry point for Pakistani exports into African markets. He commended Pakistan’s Look Africa initiative as a forward-thinking and visionary policy framework that resonates strongly with Kenya’s economic aspirations. He assured the textile exporters that any challenges hindering bilateral trade would be proactively addressed through close coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Earlier, PTEA Vice Chairman Ameer Ahmad described Kenya as a valued partner of Pakistan, noting that the historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two nations provide a strong foundation for deeper economic engagement. “Kenya stands among Pakistan’s key trading partners in Africa, serving as a vital gateway to the wider region. Both nations are dynamic, high-potential economies, and it is encouraging that bilateral trade reached a historic milestone in 2025–26, surpassing USD 1.023 billion for the first time,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the upcoming PTEA Chairman Rehan Naseem Bharara stressed that this is the right time to redesign trade strategies and establish a broader, more pragmatic framework for cooperation in trade and investment, one firmly anchored in shared commercial interests, value addition, and enduring private sector partnerships. “Our trade relationship must now evolve beyond a narrow basket of traditional products. Kenya, with merchandise imports exceeding USD 24 billion in 2025, represents a substantial and expanding market, offering significant opportunities for Pakistani exporters to diversify and capture new sectors.” He emphasized that business-to-business interaction is a pivotal instrument for trade promotion. The exchange of business delegations between Pakistan and Kenya would enable both sides to benefit from each other’s experience and expertise, thereby strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations.

Later, PTEA insignia was presented to the Kenyan High Commissioner.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026