Rafique Suleman, President of the Pakistan-Kenya Business Council, has expressed immense satisfaction and gratitude over the historic achievement of Pakistan-Kenya bilateral trade crossing the US$1 billion mark and reaching US$1.023 billion. He also welcomed the record-breaking performance of Pakistan’s exports to Kenya, which reached an all-time high of US$434.7 million during FY 2025/26, the highest level ever recorded in the history of trade relations between the two friendly nations.
Speaking on this landmark achievement, Rafique Suleman stated that this milestone reflects the tremendous growth in economic cooperation between Pakistan and Kenya and highlights the vast untapped potential that still exists between the two countries.
He noted that Pakistan’s exports of rice, textiles, hosiery and garments, pharmaceuticals, and other value-added products have witnessed significant growth in the Kenyan market. At the same time, Kenya’s tea exports to Pakistan have continued to grow, further strengthening bilateral trade and demonstrating the complementary nature of both economies.
Rafique Suleman emphasized that this achievement carries special significance because it represents the realization of a long-standing vision shared by the business communities of both countries.
“Many years ago, we dreamed of seeing Pakistan and Kenya achieve US$1 billion in bilateral trade. At that time, it appeared to be an ambitious target, but we remained committed to strengthening commercial ties, encouraging business-to-business engagement, and creating new opportunities for trade and investment. Today, by the grace of Almighty Allah, that dream has become a reality.”
He stated that this historic success belongs to all stakeholders who contributed towards strengthening Pakistan-Kenya economic relations, including the Governments of Pakistan and Kenya, the Ministry of Commerce, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), diplomatic missions, trade institutions, chambers of commerce, and the private sectors of both countries.
The President of the Pakistan-Kenya Business Council expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce and TDAP for their continuous support, policy guidance, and efforts to promote Pakistani exports and strengthen commercial engagement with Kenya.
He also paid special tribute to the High Commission of Pakistan in Nairobi, particularly the Commercial Section and Commercial Counselor Madam Atila, for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in promoting Pakistan-Kenya trade relations. Their proactive engagement with Kenyan government institutions, chambers of commerce, trade organizations, and the private sector has played a pivotal role in creating new opportunities for Pakistani exporters and investors.
Rafique Suleman further acknowledged the valuable contribution of the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Kenya and the entire team at the High Commission of Pakistan in Nairobi for their commitment to advancing bilateral economic relations.
He also extended his gratitude to the High Commissioner of Kenya in Islamabad and the Commercial Section of the Kenyan High Commission for their constructive role in facilitating trade, strengthening economic cooperation, and promoting closer business-to-business relations between Pakistan and Kenya.
The Pakistan-Kenya Business Council also expressed its appreciation to importers, exporters, investors, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and members of the business community in both countries whose confidence, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit have helped transform Pakistan-Kenya trade relations into one of the most dynamic economic partnerships in the region.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Rafique Suleman announced that the Pakistan-Kenya Business Council will soon organize special celebration events in both Nairobi and Pakistan. These events will bring together government officials, diplomats, trade leaders, chambers of commerce, importers, exporters, and key stakeholders from both countries to celebrate the successful crossing of the US$1 billion bilateral trade mark.
“As part of these celebrations, we will proudly pay tribute to the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Kenya, Madam Adeela the Commercial Section of the High Commission of Pakistan in Nairobi for their exceptional contribution towards achieving this historic milestone. Similarly, we will honor the High Commissioner of Kenya in Islamabad and Mr Bonface Commercial Section of the Kenyan High Commission in recognition of their valuable efforts in strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between our two friendly nations.”
He added that these recognition ceremonies will serve as a token of appreciation for the individuals and institutions whose vision, leadership, and hard work have helped transform a long-held dream into reality.
“Crossing the US$1 billion mark is not the end of our journey; rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter. We are confident that through continued collaboration between governments, trade institutions, and the private sector, Pakistan and Kenya can significantly increase bilateral trade in the coming years and unlock even greater opportunities for investment, industrial cooperation, and economic growth.”
Rafique Suleman concluded by congratulating the Governments of Pakistan and Kenya, the Ministry of Commerce, TDAP, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Nairobi, the High Commissioner of Kenya in Islamabad, and the entire business community of both countries on this historic achievement and expressed confidence that Pakistan-Kenya trade relations will continue to reach new heights in the years ahead.
