He said that Germany would ensure easy access of Mulan exporters to EU and German markets, in this regard.
He also vowed to develop strong business-to-business links between the businessmen of Germany and Pakistan, saying that the step would also help to explore the mutual trade potential between the two countries.
He said that the economic and financial development cooperation between Pakistan and Germany goes back in 1961, with the trade investment exceeding 2.3 billion dollar and Germany was now Pakistan’s fourth largest trade partner.
“We have a decentralized system like the one in Pakistan and there are many similarities between Pakistan and Germany.” He said that Pakistan was a great country with hospitable people and lovely culture.
Today, Germany is the largest economy of the European Union and the fourth largest economy of the world. The country also has one of the more liberal trade regimes among the industrialized countries.
Martin Kobler is a different ambassador. He is attached to Pakistani social fabric and treats himself like a responsible citizen of Pakistan and frequently shares his love for Pakistan on social media.
He said the perception about Pakistan does not change overnight and requires dedication, commitment and the level of desire to boost relationships between two countries.
He informed that Lufthansa, German flag carrier, had indicated to launch its flight operation from Pakistan, however, some procedural assessments would be made to decide formally. He agreed with the views of member of Multan Chamber for enhanced bilateral cooperation and interaction at parliamentary and other levels.
He underscored the need to bring the trade bodies and chambers of commerce closer to each other for benefit of the people of both sides as there existed a huge scope for investment in different sectors.
He said that youth and education would be at the forefront of future Pakistan-Germany cooperation, as over 60 per cent young and talented Pakistanis are the future of a vibrant and thriving Pakistan.
“I wish to promote an educated and skilled youth in Pakistan since well-trained and educated youth can prove to be the engine of growth for Pakistan. The private sector can play a leading role in this regard,” said the envoy, adding that he had a strong desire to see Pakistan-Germany relations gain in strength in the near future.
“Pakistan will have 400 million inhabitants in the year 2050, meaning thereby that it would have 200 million people under the age of 30 by then. Everyone should therefore work to give this young workforce a perspective of development and growth. Private entrepreneurship and private sector companies can play a leading role in this regard,” Martin Kobler said.
He said that his objective was to enable the private sector to work on innovative and creative ideas for the economic development of Pakistan.
In his welcome address Senior Vice President Khawaja Badar Munir emphasized the need to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany through enhancing parliamentary ties and cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
He said that Pakistan desired to further expand the economic and trade relations with Germany. He also recalled his visits to Germany and said that both sides shared a vision aimed at development. He also appreciated the activism shown by the German Ambassador on social media. “There is a great potential in Pakistan-Germany cooperation in terms of trade, defence, investment, science and technology. Pakistan deeply appreciates German support for the awarding of GSP Plus status to Pakistan. Our government seeks Germany’s support in achieving its goals of economic development, sustainable growth and good governance,” he added.
He further said that the benefits of trade will be shared among all Pakistanis without discrimination of caste, creed, religion or ethnicity. “There is a need to increase bilateral cooperation in all areas, and the ambassador has made a wonderful start in the past three weeks by boosting the Pakistan-Germany partnership,” he concluded. Khawaja Muhammad Yousaf, Khawaja Muhammad Usman Khawaja Muhammad Hussain, Aasim Saeed Sheikh and Mumtaz Ahmed Manais raised some questions and he patiently answered these questions.Secretary General Khurram Javed Butt conducted the event.
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