Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shakes hands with German foreign minister Gulido Westerwille. PHOTO: APP
“Germany is prepared to stand by Pakistan,” said German Foreign Minister Dr Guido Westerwelle on Saturday as he announced an assistance of Euros 93.5 million for year 2013-14 to support Pakistan’s new democratic government. These funds would be utilised to bolster development in energy, education and health sectors as well as governance.
Westerwelle said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s economic vision was a clear commitment to reforms which were of interest to the business community in Germany.
Commenting on his discussion with his Pakistani counterpart on regional issues, Westerwelle said. “We welcome the new government’s open approach to India,” he added.
Advisor to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the government would pursue the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. Responding to a question on awarding Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India, he said the issue was linked to certain other pre-requisites. “However, it was part of government’s broader composite agenda and will be taken up”, Sartaj added.
Pak-German economic cooperation
In a meeting with Westerwelle, PM Nawaz Sharif said his government is working on a plan to overcome load shedding and invited German investors to invest in Pakistan’s power sector.
“Pakistan welcomes German investors, who will be facilitated to set up coal and gas based thermal power plants Pakistan,” said the PM.
Nawaz expressed hopes that German investors would visit Pakistan to see for themselves the congenial business environment and opportunities that Pakistan has to offer.
The German FM informed the Prime Minister that his government was keen on sending a German business delegation to Pakistan and the German Ambassador in Pakistan would be facilitating the visit of 60 German businessmen to take place shortly.
Westerwelle proposed that a joint investment conference be held in Pakistan in which German and Pakistani investors might participate, share their knowledge and explore the prospects of investment in Pakistan.
The German FM said Germany considered Pakistan a country with great economic potential. He also proposed that the bilateral Chamber of Commerce presently functioning in Karachi be reactivated and upgraded to give further impetus to economic ties between the countries.
The dignitary assured Germany’s continued support to Pakistan’s efforts to get GSP Plus status in the European Union.
“There is a positive sentiment in the Pakistani business community which looks towards my government for good economic policies and encouraging business environment”, observed the Prime Minister.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2013.
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