SIALKOT: His Excellency Lt. General (Retd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Pakistan, advocated for enhanced business-to-business connections and trade diversification during his visit to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI). The High Commissioner emphasized the potential for investment partnerships between Kenya and Sialkot’s business community.

According to The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SCCI President Syed Ahtesham Mazhar highlighted the longstanding cordial relations between Pakistan and Kenya, noting Kenya's strategic role as a major economic and logistical gateway to East Africa. He reported that bilateral trade has surpassed the US$1 billion mark, while significant opportunities remain for growth in value-added sectors.

In his address, Lt. Gen. Peter Mbogo Njiru called for an evolution of commercial relations beyond traditional commodity-based trade towards a more diversified economic partnership. He urged Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities in Kenya through direct partnerships, investments, joint ventures, and local manufacturing operations. The High Commissioner encouraged Sialkot exporters, particularly in sectors such as surgical instruments, sports goods, leather products, and apparel, to consider Kenya as a strategic entry point into the African market.

Lt. Gen. Njiru also pointed to emerging economic cooperation opportunities in healthcare, ICT, agriculture, and tourism. He suggested that establishing a commercial presence in Kenya could provide Pakistani businesses with access to broader regional markets. President Mazhar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of direct sourcing as a means to create commercial efficiencies and forge stronger relationships between manufacturers and buyers.

The visit concluded with President Mazhar expressing gratitude to Lt. Gen. Njiru and his delegation, expressing hope for a prosperous partnership between the business communities of Pakistan and Kenya.