close
Tuesday March 19, 2024

Germany keen to strengthen trade ties with Pakistan: Kobler

By Our Correspondent
February 16, 2019

MULTAN: German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler said that Germany was keen to strengthen trade ties with Pakistan and increase trade volume between both the countries.

He was addressing the executive committee members of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), hosted by MCCI vice president Khawaja Badar Munir on Friday. Kobler said that Germany would ensure easy access of Multan exporters to European and German markets in this regard.

He said that the economic and financial development cooperation between Pakistan and Germany went back to 1961, with the trade investment exceeding 2.3 billion dollars. “Germany is now the fourth largest trade partner of Pakistan. We have a decentralised system like the one in Pakistan. Pakistan is a great country with hospitable people and lovely culture.”

He said the perception about Pakistan does not change overnight and requires dedication, commitment and a level of desire to boost relationships between the two countries. He informed that Lufthansa, a German flag carrier, had indicated to launch its flight operation from Pakistan. He underscored the need to bring the trade bodies and chambers of commerce closer to each other for the benefit of people of both sides. “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.

“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, MCCI senior vice president Khawaja Badar Munir said that Pakistan desired to further expand the economic and trade relations with Germany. “There is a great potential in Pakistan-Germany cooperation in terms of trade, defence, investment, science and technology. Our government seeks Germany’s support in achieving its goals of economic development, sustainable growth and good governance. 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 the social media,” he added.