The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) organized an event in Dubai with the topic of ‘Doing Business in Pakistan’. Board of Investment Chairman Haroon Sharif was also present on the occasion. German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler while addressing the event said that Germany was one of the largest trading partner of Pakistan in the European Union (EU).
The event was attended by 35 major German companies based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Audi, Volkswagen, BMW Group, Halfen, Hugo Boss, Lufthansa, Puma, Rohde & Schwarz, Deutsche Bank and Siemens.
AHK CEO Felix Neugart gave a brief insight into recent developments in Pakistan, especially with reference to investment and business opportunities. It was suggested in the event that a Pak-German Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry be established in Pakistan for further promotion of bilateral trade and investment.
Sharif appreciated the efforts of AHK and German businessmen for promoting business and investment in Pakistan. He informed the audience that massive changes had been introduced in the visa policy and the government was planning to launch e-visa facility for a limited number of countries in coming months. He pointed out that seven Special Economic Zones were already functioning in Pakistan and nine more zones were in the pipeline in an effort to stimulate investment in the industrial sector.Besides this, the government is making efforts to improve the taxation system, cut down bureaucratic hurdles in the way of setting up businesses, establish a mechanism for early resolution of commercial and investment disputes and for facilitation of the investors.
He encouraged German companies to invest in Pakistan, especially in alternative energy, agro-based food processing, hospitality and tourism, and emerging technologies.
