German Ambassador to Pakistan Bernhard Schlagheck has said on Thursday evening that Germany is very keen in enhancing and strengthening trade ties with Pakistan. Addressing the members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here he said that Germany and Pakistan are enjoying highly cordial relations since long and with the passage of time these ties would further be strengthened.

The Ambassador assured the members of SCCI that efforts were being made for resolving the issues confronted by the business community of Sialkot adding that in this regard a visa section had been setup in German Embassy to facilitate the business community as well as to address their problems.

Sialkot is important place as well as SME hub in Pakistan and the city had a unique export culture he added. In his address of welcome the President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Muhammad Ashraf Malik said that Pakistan and Germany are enjoying highly cordial relations since long. These relations were based on shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, cultural and economic liberalism he said.

The SCCI President further added that Pakistan acknowledges and appreciates the role of Germany in extension of GSP Plus status and it is due to this facility that more than 78 percent exports of Pakistan enter the EU at most concessional rates. Pakistan and Germany also enjoy substantial economic and trade ties and Germany is Pakistan's fourth larges trading partner globally while largest within European Union he said.

Ashraf pointed out that several issues are being faced by Pakistani businessmen visiting Germany for participation in trade fairs and exhibitions and meeting with their counterparts, especially for urgent meetings.

Expressing the hope the SCCI President said that today's meeting will provide fruitful results in boosting economic activity by further improving cooperation and creating private sector linkages.