Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appreciated Germany's timely message of solidarity and cooperation during recent floods.
Welcoming German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel during a meeting, she also appreciated Germany's cooperation in agricultural and green technology and forestation; and welcomed further cooperation in the exchange of skilled manpower and Germany's dual vocational training model.
She said, "Germany is a long-standing partner of Pakistan in tackling climate change, women empowerment, social protection and human development."
She added that talks between Pakistan and Germany in November would strengthen the partnership, as there are opportunities to expand the long-standing relations between Pakistan and Germany at the provincial level.
The chief minister said she envisioned a prosperous and modern Punjab where every citizen is empowered, Germany can be an important partner in fulfilling the dream. She added that in 2024, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Germany was worth $3.63 billion, and Pakistan's trade balance remained positive. She underscored that 40 German companies are already contributing to Pakistan's economy by creating a lot of job opportunities.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that environmental protection was her top priority, and the recent devastating floods and cross-border smog were a big challenge.
She also discussed in the meeting matters relating to the promotion of education, increasing the number of Pakistani students in Germany and innovation in curriculum.
She appreciated the services of the German Cultural Centre in Lahore, and welcomed Germany's cooperation in the promotion of sports in Pakistan. She reiterated that Punjab values its relations with Germany a lot.
The chief minister said Water and Sanitation Agency operations had been extended from four to 23 districts in the province.
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