KARACHI: A high ranking delegation from Germany inaugurated the newly created German Pakistan chambers of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) on Friday.
German Ambassador Ina Lepel, Dr Stephan Osward, Division head of the German Ministry for Economics, Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Rainer Schmiedchen, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi and prominent business leaders were present.
“This is an important step to further deepen our bilateral business ties,” Ambassador Lepel stated. “The chamber will provide a new and permanent home for all German Companies in Pakistan. Pakistan Companies working with German products and Pakistani companies trading with Germany,” she added.
Dr Stephan Osward, Division head of the German Ministry for Economics, Cooperation and Development (BMZ) said that both the country enjoyed strong relations for the last 60 years. He termed Pakistan as an interesting market. He said that his country was endeavoring to bring more participation of private sector in development projects. He said that Pakistan needed energy and its textile industry was facing hard times.
Rainer Schmiedchen, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi said that security situation in the country had improved. He said that travel advisory to Pakistan had been relaxed. He said that people from Germany can come and travel easily.
On the occasion Chairman GPCCI Qazi Sajid Ali said that the chamber was established after efforts of 10 years. The formation of the chamber came reality with the efforts of all those connected with bilateral business between the two countries.
He said that the formation of German Pakistan Trade and Investment (GPTI) was turning point for the chamber. The GPTI was established with the main objective to lay down the proper legal and business framework for the chamber.
“GPTI laid down the ground to reach eligibility criteria for the joint chamber,” the chairman said.
He praised Dr Tilo Klinner, the former Consul-General and the present Consul-General Rainer Schmiedchen and Ina Lepel, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Pakistan; they all have at every stage supported us, encouraged us and motivated us. “Without their support it would not have been possible to achieve the joint chamber status,” he said. He also praised the Ministry of Commerce, Director General Trade Organisation and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan also contributed towards this national cause.
GPCCI is the first European bilateral chamber in Pakistan. It will support its members by offering an ever-increasing range of services aimed at facilitating bilateral trade and direct investment. The inaugural ceremony ended with signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the GPCCI and the Pakistan German Renewable Energy Forum (PGREF) whereby GPCCI will provide a secretariat for PGREF in Karachi and will help promote German expertise in renewable energy as part of the PGREF program.