Consul General of Germany, Dr Ruediger Lotz, has said that the textile sector is very important when it comes to bilateral trade as 85 per cent of Pakistan’s exports to Germany comprise textile products, which, although a wonderful thing, the exports need to be diversified to improve the existing trade volume further. Exchanging views at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), German CG said that Pakistan’s textile industries were being run by highly trained professionals who have been producing good quality products. “I am also very impressed to see the economic importance of Karachi, which generates tax income for the whole country”, he added.
President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Senior Vice President Altaf A. Ghaffar, Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Barry, Former President Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee Members were also present.
Commenting on concerns expressed over delays in the issuance of visas, the German Envoy said that he was aware of the problem due to an enhanced number of visa applications. “We have about twice as many applications as we had some five years ago before COVID, but the number of staff is the same who could only process a certain amount of visa applications per day. I ask my staff to give preference to students and businessmen seeking visa appointments.”
“Around 4,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Germany, which sounds nice, but I think the number should be much higher. There are typically two hurdles, of which the first one is the legal requirement asking students whether they can afford to stay in Germany for three to four years or not; that means you have to prove that you have 12,000 euros in your bank account, which is quite a lot of money for many people while the second one is the language barrier”, said Dr. Ruediger, adding that the biggest advantage of studying in Germany was the free education as there was no tuition fee which was something very different from US and UK.
Replying to a query regarding the commencement of Volkswagen operations in Pakistan, he said that the production of Volkswagen here suffered delays due to restrictions on imports imposed one-and-a-half years ago. The vehicle manufacturing company was not allowed to bring the necessary machinery, which stalled the project. “Even if Volkswagen is allowed to bring the machinery now, it would take at least one and half years more to start production. At the moment, it is unclear whether Volkswagen would pursue the project further or not, which would be a pity, but it is one of the negative results of the economic problems of Pakistan. I am regularly in contact with the person responsible for international affairs in Volkswagen. Still, I think at the moment, they are yet to decide how to pursue this project”, he added.
President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, while welcoming the German CG, noted that Pakistan and Germany have been enjoying warm, friendly bilateral diplomatic ties since 1951 and it was heartening to see that Germany was keen to strengthen social, political and economic bilateral relations with Pakistan, besides having great interest in regional stability for the sustainable economic development.
He informed that Pakistan’s exports to Germany stood at $1.60 billion in FY23 compared to $1.75 billion in FY22, which represents a drop of 8.62 percent year-on-year basis. “Both countries need to reduce trade barriers, diversify the range of products, simplify customs procedures, promote SMEs, and foster business collaboration to give a much-needed trade boost for economic integration.
“The Technology transfer from German Investors for setting up joint ventures and shifting towards high-value-added exports, will boost the productivity and the competitiveness of the country”, he opined, adding that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a lifeline project for Pakistan’s economy, which could offer tremendous opportunities to German investors who can invest in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to penetrate in this entire region easily. In contrast, considerable potential for German investment exists in varying sectors like dairy, agriculture, textiles, IT, pharmaceuticals, electrical machinery, power generation, infrastructure, oil & gas sectors etc.
He also requested the Envoy to invite German companies to participate in next My Karachi-Oasis of Harmony International Exhibition to be held next year in August which was expected to attract immense participation from international and national exhibitors.