German Deputy Minister of the Federal Foreign Office and a business delegation visits Pakistan
The German Deputy Minister of the Federal Foreign Office, Mr. Stephan Steinlein, visited Islamabad and Karachi from 10-12 June, 2015. The Minister was accompanied by a German Business Delegation on his visit that aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties and exploring new business opportunities between Pakistan and Germany.
“Economic growth is the key to the political stability and prosperity of Pakistan. I am convinced that the EU’s GSP+ programme will continue to boost the economy and I encourage Pakistan to implement the international treaties under the programme” the German Deputy Minister said.
Germany, a partner in modernization and development of Pakistan, has a keen interest in the enhancement of bilateral economic ties. The visiting German delegation held meetings with government officials, visited Pakistan’s business hubs and exchanged views with Pakistani Business community to explore and enhance business opportunities between Pakistan and Germany.
Islamabad visit of the German delegation
In Islamabad, the high-ranking German delegation started their visit with meetings with H.E. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister, H.E. Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs with the status of Minister of State, H.E. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister of Commerce, and Dr. Hafiz Pasha, former Minister of Finance.
The German business delegation discussed opportunities and challenges of business in Pakistan with Ifthikhar Babar, Secretary Board of Investment, and Pakistani businessmen, Deputy Minister Mr. Stephan Steinlein met with members of the civil society to discuss the human rights situation in Pakistan.
German delegation visits Karachi
As part of the Deputy Minister’s engagements with government and private institutions in Karachi, he visited a German company Metro Cash & Carry and AMANTECH (partner institute of the German Pakistan Training Initiative (GPATI)), where he was briefed about their operations. He called on the Chief Minister of Sindh, Mr. Qaim Ali Shah at the CM House in Karachi.
The Deputy Minister, Mr. Stephan Steinlein, along with the German Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Cyrill Nunn, the German Consul General, Dr. Tilo Klinner and other members of the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion on the topic “Perspectives of German Business opportunities in Pakistan, the Sindh province and the Megacity of Karachi”. The conference was attended by the Chief Minister Sindh, Mr. Qaim Ali Shah, the Minister of Finance Sindh, Mr. Murad Ali Shah, members of Sindh Board of Investment and members of Sindh Board of Revenue.
On 12th June, 2015, the Deputy Minister met the board of directors of Karachi Stock Exchange. Mr. Stephan later addressed the members of Pakistan German Business Forum and German Pakistan Trade and Investment.
The visiting delegation held meetings and exchanged views on exploring business opportunities with members of the Pakistani Business community, the Chairman of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), the Secretary of the Trade and Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP) and also attended briefing by the Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council.
The Deputy Minister along with the business delegation completed a successful visit and will return back to Germany on Saturday (June 13) morning.
Photo courtesy: Facebook page of German Embassy Islamabad