Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while addressing meeting of Pakistan-German Business Forum in Berlin on Wednesday said that there are bright prospects of increase in trade between Pakistan and Germany in the coming days. He said that best relations exist between Pakistan and Germany since 1947. He said that at present, more than 30,000 Pakistanis are living in Germany and it is the fourth big trade partner.
Addressing the meeting, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and said that transfer of power through recent elections is a proof of stability of democracy in Pakistan. He said that the role of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for furthering the peace process in Afghanistan and policy of best relations with India is commendable.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif further said that after recent national elections, German foreign minister was the first important foreign personality who visited Pakistan. He said that establishment of Pakistan-German Business Forum with the co-operation of German government in 1990 is a clear proof of the interest of Germany in trade with Pakistan.
Shahbaz said that matter of the dictatorship in Pakistan has become the story of past and now there is an era of justice and democracy in the country. He said that judiciary is independent and media is playing its active role in Pakistan. The CM said that elimination of terrorism is a big challenge for the government.
Shahbaz said that we are thankful to German government for celebrating Trade Day with Pakistan in Berlin. He said that we do not want aid but have come to get technical assistance and trade co-operation. He stressed upon Germany to open its markets for Pakistan, remove difficulties in trade and make investment in Pakistan. Earlier, while talking to German and Pakistani media in Berlin, the CM said that West and East Germany resolved their issues by setting example of unity and made wonderful progress.
He said that all national issues including Kashmir cannot be resolved without economic stability. Shahbaz further said that Pakistan will have to rely on its own resources for preferring national dignity. PML-N government is coping with the challenges being faced by the country with determination and courage, he added.