Pakistan, Germany review GSP Plus, trade and investment cooperation

October 07, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Germany discussed ways to deepen trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation, with the commerce minister inviting German companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and take part in the upcoming FoodAg exhibition in Karachi.

The discussions took place when German Ambassador Ina Lepel called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at his office.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Isaan Afzal, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and senior Ministry of Commerce officials also attended the meeting, said a press release issued.

Jam Kamal Khan thanked Germany for its long-standing economic cooperation and its constructive role on the European Union's GSP Plus scheme.

He said Pakistan remains committed to meeting its international obligations and to closer coordination between federal ministries and provincial governments.

Ina Lepel noted Pakistan's legislative progress in areas linked to GSP Plus, saying it reflects a commitment to reform and stronger institutions.

She stressed that laws must be followed by effective implementation, measurable results and visible gains for citizens.

She also welcomed Pakistan's structured approach to its next GSP Plus application and urged continued coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments and other stakeholders.

In her view, steady engagement, transparent reporting and timely follow-up would sustain momentum and build confidence among Pakistan's international partners.

She pointed to potential opportunities in agriculture, food processing, technology, manufacturing and renewable energy, and encouraged closer interaction between the private sectors of the two countries.

Rana Isaan Afzal raised the issue of Pakistan's Basmati rice Geographical Indication (GI) with the ambassador.

He explained Pakistan's position on India's GI application before the European Commission, as well as Pakistan's own application to protect Basmati rice.

He cited the legal, historical and commercial grounds behind Pakistan's case and underlined the need to safeguard the interests of Basmati growers, producers and exporters.

Ina Lepel agreed that producers, farmers and exporters need protection through proper legal and institutional mechanisms. She said effective GI protection can raise product recognition in global markets, support rural livelihoods and add value to agricultural exports.

The minister invited the ambassador and German companies to FoodAg, scheduled for November 2026 in Karachi, citing opportunities for collaboration and investment in agricultural machinery, food processing, livestock breeding, animal nutrition, testing facilities and value addition.

He said working with German firms could help Pakistan raise farm productivity, improve quality and export standards, and generate larger exportable surpluses.

FoodAg, he added, would give German businesses a platform to engage directly with Pakistani companies, spot investment opportunities and build partnerships across agriculture and food value chains.

Ina Lepel welcomed the invitation and said German participation could turn bilateral engagement into practical business and institutional cooperation.

She highlighted openings in modern agricultural technology, quality assurance, vocational training, research and development, and sustainable production.

The German side also shared plans for a delegation of Pakistani businesspeople to visit a major animal husbandry trade fair in Germany. Lepel said such exchanges can aid knowledge transfer, strengthen commercial links and open new opportunities in livestock and related sectors.

She also invited the commerce minister to the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, to be held in Seoul, South Korea, from October 29 to 31, 2026.

The conference will bring together government and business leaders to discuss trade, investment, economic partnerships and resilient supply chains.

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