DNA
RAWALPINDI: Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Pakistan, H.E. Ina Lepel, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI), where she was warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, members of the Executive Committee, and representatives of various business sectors.
In his welcome address, RCCI President Usman Shaukat called for the establishment of a German Trade Desk in Pakistan to facilitate Pakistani companies and businessmen in exploring new markets, identifying business opportunities, and developing stronger commercial linkages with Germany. He also proposed establishing a Pakistan–Germany Joint Chamber of Commerce to enhance networking, information sharing, and business-to-business cooperation.
He highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and agri-tech, IT and software development, fintech, smart and energy-efficient construction, pharmaceuticals, gems and minerals, mining, value addition, and SME development.
President Usman Shaukat stated that Germany is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade exceeding US$2.5 billion. He noted that Pakistan’s exports to Germany stand at around US$1.7 billion, while imports are approximately US$880 million, reflecting a trade balance in Pakistan’s favour. He appreciated Germany’s continued support for the GSP+ framework, which has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s export growth.
During an interactive session with the business community, Ambassador Ina Lepel reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations with Pakistan, particularly in climate change, health and social protection, private sector development, and vocational and technical education. She emphasized the importance of connecting Pakistani SMEs with global markets through international trade fairs and promoting sustainable and greener production practices.
The Ambassador also appreciated the resilience of Pakistan’s business community and noted that continued engagement would be important on GSP+ related matters.
Both sides emphasized the need to further expand trade, investment, technology transfer, and business-to-business linkages, creating new avenues for sustainable economic growth and mutually beneficial cooperation.
