Islamabad, March 9: The Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, visited the Capital Office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and held a meeting with FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
The meeting was attended by FPCCI Vice President Tariq Jadun, Chairman Capital Office Kareem Aziz Malik, Chairman Coordination Malik Sohail Hussain, Mian Akram Fareed, and other members of the business community.
Speaking on the occasion, Atif Ikram Sheikh said Germany is Europe’s largest economy and an important trading partner of Pakistan. He noted that the current bilateral trade volume between the two countries stands at around $3.5 billion, which is far below the actual potential of both economies.
He said there is vast room to expand trade between the two countries, highlighting that Pakistan exports textiles, garments, leather products, sports goods, footwear and surgical instruments to Germany.
Meanwhile, Pakistan imports machinery, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment and automobiles from Germany.
Atif Ikram Sheikh said both countries could initiate joint ventures in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, value-added textiles, agricultural products and food processing.
He invited German companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly in the IT and renewable energy sectors, adding that Pakistan’s young workforce and large consumer market present attractive opportunities for German investors.
He further noted that more than 40 German companies are already operating in Pakistan, contributing to employment generation and economic activity.
The FPCCI president said Germany is a highly developed industrial nation with expertise in engineering, automation, green energy and advanced manufacturing. Sharing such technology with Pakistan would help boost industrial productivity and create employment opportunities.
He added that cooperation in automobiles, renewable energy, vocational training, agricultural technology and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could prove beneficial for both countries.
Atif Ikram Sheikh also urged German companies to launch joint ventures, industrial partnerships and skill development programmes in Pakistan. He stressed that the exchange of trade delegations, joint exhibitions and business forums could further strengthen commercial ties.
He also requested the German embassy to facilitate the Pakistani business community by easing the visa process.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Ina Lepel said Germany is keen to further strengthen its economic and trade relations with Pakistan.
She said German companies are interested in expanding cooperation in green energy, industrial technology, vocational training and digitalization.
The ambassador added that economic cooperation between the two countries can be further strengthened through technology transfer, industrial partnerships and joint ventures.
She said Germany also aims to deepen relations with Pakistan by supporting the potential of its young population.
Ambassador Lepel further announced that the number of Pakistani students studying in Germany is expected to increase from 6,000 to 10,000 in the coming years.
She also noted that Germany has announced a support package for Pakistan for 2025–2027 focusing on climate change challenges and technical cooperation.
During the meeting, Malik Sohail Hussain said cooperation between Pakistan and Germany is being expanded in multiple sectors. He also highlighted that Germany had announced a development assistance package of €114 million for Pakistan last year, aimed at supporting various development initiatives.
