Memo inked to connect startup, tech communities of Germany and Pakistan

KARACHI: The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) and a delegation from the German Consulate Karachi visited the National Incubation Centre Karachi (NIC Karachi) to observe the advancements in business innovation and the startup entrepreneurship ecosystem of Pakistan.

During the visit, LMKT (Private) Limited and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities that connect the startup and tech communities of Germany and Pakistan.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Rüdiger Lotz, and the delegation, including Muhammad Usman, Country Director of Pakistan at AHK UAE, and Heena Nazir, Director of Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI).

Under this MoU, LMKT and AHK will collaborate on various activities, such as the Startup Germany Tour programme, which aims to promote Germany as a startup destination for Pakistani startups and explore possibilities of conducting a startup hackathon in Pakistan in partnership with German companies and diplomatic missions in Pakistan. The parties will also work on creating options for connecting German and Pakistani startups through an event on the sidelines of Tech and startup events in UAE such as GITEX.

Faisal Jamil, Director of Strategy LMKT, expressed his enthusiasm for the MoU, said, “We are delighted to partner with the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce to promote cross-border collaboration.

Free flow of ideas across geographies is crucial for innovation and we hope that this partnership will provide a great platform for startups in both countries to connect, exchange knowledge, and explore business opportunities.”

His Excellency, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr Rüdiger Lotz, commented, “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to visit NIC Karachi multiple times in such a short time, and to witness firsthand the incredible energy and innovation of the startups and entrepreneurs working here. We look forward to deepening our partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the future.”

Oliver Oehms, CEO German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce, also spoke positively about the partnership, saying, “Our world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and partnerships like this one between Karachi and German cities are a powerful way to drive progress and innovation. By working together and learning from one another, we can create new opportunities and strengthen our economies for the benefit of all.”

Sana Shah, Head of the Programme of the National Incubation Centre Karachi, added, “NIC Karachi is honoured to have hosted the esteemed delegation from the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) and the signing of the MoU with LMKT-operated NICs will lead to more collaboration between Pakistani and German startups.”

The visit concluded with the German consulate’s tour of the NIC Karachi and interactions of startups with the German Consulate General and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK), where they discussed the importance of collaboration on innovation and research to create strong and connected business ecosystems.

The signing of the MoU is a step forward in building stronger ties between the startup ecosystems of Germany and Pakistan, and LMKT looks forward to more collaboration to support the growth and development of startups in the region.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023