Pakistan has to sign some international agreements to get Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) plus status and faculties for boosting its export to Germany and other European Union (EU) countries. The Consul General of Germany, Dr Christian Brecht said this while speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) held on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the consul general said, I as consul general agree with KCCI that two-way rates should be increased. He said that a German company, Cash and Carry, is already engaged in business activities in Pakistan, while another company, working on a wind power project at Jhumpir, will start functioning soon, which will produce a total of 50 MW electricity, the project is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister of Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan-German business forum could play a major role in boosting two-way trade, as at present two-way trade has reached $2 billion, which can be increased to $5 billion in the next three years with little efforts.
Although, Dr Christian Brecht said that international economic crisis has also adversely hit German economy, political uncertainty in Pakistan and failure of foreign media to present a better perception of Pakistan have damaged the image of the country, therefore, in these conditions it is very difficult for German Chamber of Commerce (GCC) to advise business community to visit Pakistan. The consul general was of the view that Pakistan should concentrate of development of agriculture sector besides industries. Replying a question about anti-dumping duty, Dr Christian said that the issue is under consideration. Speaking on the occasion President KCCI, Anjum Nisar emphasised the need for increasing export of non-traditional items to Germany.