           ISLAMABAD, Oct 7 (DNA):Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan here on Wednesday invited German companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and participate in the upcoming FoodAg exhibition in Karachi next month.
The minister was talking to German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel, who called on the Federal Minister. Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries, Rana Isaan Afzal ; Secretary Commerce, Jawad Paul and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce were also present
The discussed ways to deepen bilateral trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation between the two countries, said a press release issued by commerce ministry.
The minister emphasized that collaboration with German companies could help Pakistan improve agricultural productivity, strengthen quality and export standards, and generate greater exportable surpluses. He said FoodAg would provide a valuable platform for German businesses to directly engage with Pakistani companies, identify investment opportunities and develop partnerships across the agriculture and food value chains.
He appreciated Germany’s longstanding economic cooperation with Pakistan and its constructive role in relation to the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and strengthening coordination among federal ministries and provincial governments.
On the occasion, the Ambassador Lepel acknowledged Pakistan’s legislative progress and positive developments in areas relevant to GSP Plus, noting that these efforts reflected Pakistan’s commitment to reforms and stronger institutional mechanisms. She emphasised the importance of translating legislative measures into effective implementation, measurable results and tangible improvements for citizens.
She welcomed Pakistan’s structured approach towards the next GSP Plus application and encouraged continued coordination among relevant federal ministries, provincial governments and other stakeholders. She said sustained engagement, transparent reporting and timely follow-up would help maintain momentum and reinforce confidence among Pakistan’s international partners.
Ambassador Lepel also highlighted potential opportunities in agriculture, food processing, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy and other areas, and encouraged stronger interaction between the private sectors of Pakistan and Germany.
Lepel underscored the importance of protecting the interests of producers, farmers and exporters through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms. She noted that effective protection of geographical indications could strengthen product recognition in international markets, support rural livelihoods and enhance the value of agricultural exports
She said, German participation in FoodAg could help translate bilateral engagement into practical business and institutional cooperation. She highlighted opportunities in modern agricultural technology, quality assurance, vocational training, research and development, and sustainable production practices.
The German side also shared preparations for a delegation of Pakistani businesspeople to attend a major animal husbandry trade fair in Germany. Ambassador Lepel said such exchanges could facilitate knowledge transfer, strengthen commercial linkages and help identify new opportunities in livestock and related sectors.
Ambassador Lepel also invited the Federal Minister for Commerce to participate in the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, scheduled to be held from October 29–31, 2026, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The conference will bring together government and business leaders to discuss trade, investment, economic partnerships and resilient supply chains.
During the meeting, Rana Isaan Afzal, raised the issue of Pakistan’s Basmati rice Geographical Indication (GI) before the German Ambassador.
He briefed the Ambassador on Pakistan’s position regarding India’s GI application before the European Commission and Pakistan’s own application for the protection of Basmati rice. He highlighted the legal, historical and commercial grounds underpinning Pakistan’s case and stressed the importance of safeguarding the legitimate interests of Pakistani Basmati growers, producers and exporters.
