Overview
- Ambassador Ina Lepel told the Lahore Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday that Pakistan and Germany have a long friendship but bilateral trade is under‑leveraged and needs fresh momentum.
- She said German companies are actively looking to diversify supply chains, creating new market openings for Pakistan in areas such as automobile manufacturing, renewable energy, engineering and pharmaceuticals.
- Lepel identified specific obstacles that deter investors: regulatory unpredictability, complex taxation, lack of transparency and red tape, and she urged continued IMF‑backed reforms for macroeconomic stability.
- Germany has committed about €114 million in development cooperation focused on climate, energy, private sector development, health and social protection and will keep GSP+ compliance under review.
- Bilateral trade tops $2.5 billion with Pakistan exporting $1.7 billion to Germany and business leaders say stronger chamber‑to‑chamber links and SME matchmaking are practical next steps to turn interest into jobs and investment.