Pakistan and Kenya on Thursday agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade within the next five years, reaffirming their intention to deepen economic cooperation and broaden commercial engagement across multiple sectors.
The understanding was reached during the second session of the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC), held in Islamabad, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.
The session was jointly chaired by Jawad Paul, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, and Regina A. Ombam, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s State Department for Trade. Senior officials and representatives from a range of ministries and government departments from both countries also participated in the discussions.
During the talks, both sides reviewed the current state of trade relations and explored opportunities for expanding economic collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Officials emphasized the need to strengthen institutional linkages, remove trade barriers, and create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors.
The Joint Trade Committee, regarded as an important platform for resolving trade-related issues and promoting bilateral cooperation, underscored the growing importance of Pakistan-Kenya economic ties. Delegates from both countries reiterated their commitment to increasing trade volumes, improving connectivity between businesses, and encouraging greater private-sector participation.
The two sides also agreed to intensify cooperation in several strategic sectors, including market access, export development, customs facilitation, investment promotion, and banking cooperation. Discussions further covered areas such as pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, industrial collaboration, and trade dispute resolution mechanisms.
In addition, officials discussed strengthening cooperation in agriculture-related areas, including animal quarantine, plant protection, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical standards to facilitate smoother trade flows and ensure compliance with international regulations.
Both countries expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration under the Joint Trade Committee framework would help unlock new opportunities for businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
