German companies keen to join CPEC: envoy

Ambassador Lepel sees potential for enhanced cooperation

ISLAMABAD: German companies are interested in joining the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to improve trade relations, the country’s ambassador said on Friday.

Ambassador Ina Lepel was speaking after a meeting with National Security Advisor Lt General (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua. German Defense Attache’ Colonel Klaus Wilhelm accompanied Lepel. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations between the two countries and the ways to further strengthen the ties.



During the meeting, matters concerning regional security and stability were also discussed. The ambassador shared her experience of working in Pakistan. She said that Pakistan and Germany enjoy good educational and economic ties which would pave the way to fight the common challenges.

Lepel said that Germany is the second largest partner in trade with Pakistan in Europe. “German companies are keen to join the CPEC to further improve trade relations,” the ambassador said.

She said that there is a lot of potential for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. She stressed the importance of cooperation in multiple areas including human resource development, security, trade and defence. She also lauded the steps taken by Pakistan against terrorism.



Discussing the Afghan situation, Lt. General (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua reiterated that Pakistan has always supported all endeavours seeking peace in Afghanistan but at the same time, Pakistan should not always be looked through the prism of Afghanistan. Janjua said Pakistan is a rising country and soon would be a gateway, connecting the world and generating a huge economic activity. “Connectivity at global level would come through us”, he added.

Janjua also sensitised the ambassador over rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir and stressed the importance of international pressure to resolve this issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2017.