ISLAMABAD (GNP): Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday urged German firms to look at investing in Pakistan and to take part in the forthcoming FoodAg exhibition in Karachi, as the two countries explored ways to strengthen trade, investment and business-to-business links.
The talks took place when German Ambassador Ina Lepel visited the minister at his office. Rana Isaan Afzal, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and senior ministry officials were also present.
Jam Kamal Khan thanked Germany for its long-running economic partnership with Pakistan and for the helpful part it has played regarding the EU’s GSP Plus scheme. He said Pakistan stands by its international commitments and will improve coordination between federal ministries and provincial governments.
Lepel recognised the progress Pakistan has made on legislation and other GSP Plus-related matters, saying it showed a commitment to reform and stronger institutions. She stressed, however, that laws must be followed by proper implementation, measurable outcomes and real benefits for citizens.
She welcomed the structured way Pakistan is approaching its next GSP Plus application and encouraged continued coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments and other stakeholders. Steady engagement, open reporting and prompt follow-up, she said, would sustain momentum and keep Pakistan’s international partners confident.
The ambassador also pointed to openings in agriculture, food processing, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy and other fields, and called for closer contact between the two countries’ private sectors.
Rana Isaan Afzal raised the question of Basmati rice geographical indication (GI) with the ambassador. He explained Pakistan’s stance on India’s GI application before the European Commission, as well as Pakistan’s own application to protect Basmati. He outlined the legal, historical and commercial basis of Pakistan’s case and underlined the need to defend the legitimate interests of Basmati growers, producers and exporters.
Lepel agreed that producers, farmers and exporters should be protected through suitable legal and institutional channels. She said effective GI protection can raise a product’s recognition abroad, support rural livelihoods and add value to agricultural exports.
The minister invited the ambassador and German companies to FoodAg, to be held in Karachi in November 2026, pointing to prospects for cooperation and investment in farm machinery, food processing, livestock breeding, animal nutrition, testing facilities and value addition.
Working with German firms, he said, could help Pakistan raise farm productivity, improve quality and export standards, and produce larger surpluses for export. He described FoodAg as a useful forum where German businesses can meet Pakistani counterparts directly, spot investment prospects and build partnerships along agriculture and food value chains.
Lepel welcomed the invitation, saying German participation could turn bilateral engagement into practical business and institutional cooperation. She noted opportunities in modern agricultural technology, quality assurance, vocational training, research and development, and sustainable production.
The German side also described plans for a Pakistani business delegation to visit a major animal husbandry trade fair in Germany. Such exchanges, Lepel said, could aid knowledge transfer, deepen commercial links and uncover new opportunities in livestock and related sectors.
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Lepel further invited the commerce minister to the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, set for October 29–31, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. The event will gather government and business leaders to discuss trade, investment, economic partnerships and resilient supply chains. Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the invitation and said he was interested in exploring attendance.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
