Pakistan, Germany deepen business ties

June 18, 2026 (MLN): Plans to bring 20–30 German companies to Pakistan and facilitate Pakistani businesses' access to European markets through the EU-Pakistan Business Network were discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and a German delegation led by Matthew D. Shaw, Country Representative of BVMW (German Mittelstand) to Pakistan.

Shaw, who has represented BVMW in Pakistan since 2024, briefed the minister on the association's scale over 30,000 member companies with a presence in 80 countries and shared his own longstanding ties with Pakistan dating back to 2008, spanning sectors including financial services, oil and gas, LPG, real estate, marketing, and IT.

Minister Sheikh welcomed the delegation and appreciated Shaw's role in strengthening Pakistan-Germany business relations and facilitating linkages between SMEs of both countries, as per press release issued. 

He noted that such engagements show growing international confidence in Pakistan's economy, adding that the government is actively promoting a business-friendly environment through regulatory reforms and facilitation measures led by the Board of Investment.

The minister also drew on his own background in the business community, including his former role as President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, and referenced his longstanding engagement with German companies, reaffirming the government's commitment to promoting joint ventures and facilitating foreign investors.

On SME financing, Shaw outlined initiatives to provide guaranteed loans of up to €10 million for Pakistani SMEs to procure German, Swiss, and Austrian equipment, alongside plans to establish an SME-focused investment fund.

Discussions also covered facilitating SMEs through access to high-quality European machinery.

Shaw further briefed the minister on plans to establish vocational training institutions in Pakistan to equip youth with skills aligned with German market needs, aimed at creating employment opportunities abroad and boosting remittances.

He also advocated for easing visa processes for Pakistani nationals.

Minister Sheikh highlighted Pakistan's economic potential, pointing to a young population with nearly 60% comprising youth, and stressed that these opportunities need to be effectively projected internationally.

He acknowledged the proposals on skill development, international market access, and institutional collaboration as key to bridging gaps between Pakistani businesses and European counterparts.

Shaw extended an invitation to the minister to attend Germany's upcoming "Futures Day," saying the participation would send a strong global message that Pakistan is open for business. In a lighter exchange, Shaw noted that "Qaiser" derived from Kaiser means king in German, while "Sheikh" holds similar significance in Arabic.

The delegation acknowledged the proactive role of the minister and BOI in promoting investment and facilitating international partnerships, noting that German investors are generally risk-averse and that the ongoing regulatory reforms are critical to building investor confidence.

Minister Sheikh assured full BOI support, stating the institution would "extend every possible facilitation to investors and partners working towards Pakistan's economic growth."

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