Pakistan and Germany have discussed measures to expand bilateral trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation, with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan inviting German companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and participate in the upcoming FoodAg 2026 exhibition in Karachi.
The discussions took place on October 6 during a meeting between Jam Kamal Khan and German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel at the Ministry of Commerce. Rana Isaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior ministry officials also attended.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to GSP Plus
Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Germany’s longstanding economic cooperation with Pakistan and its constructive role in connection with the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme.
The Commerce Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to meeting its international obligations and strengthening coordination between federal ministries and provincial governments.
Ambassador Ina Lepel acknowledged Pakistan’s legislative progress and developments in areas relevant to GSP Plus. She said the progress reflected Pakistan’s efforts toward reforms and stronger institutional mechanisms.
At the same time, she emphasized that legislative measures need to be translated into effective implementation, measurable outcomes and tangible improvements for citizens.
Germany Highlights Trade and Investment Opportunities
The German Ambassador welcomed Pakistan’s structured approach toward its next GSP Plus application and encouraged continued coordination between federal and provincial authorities and other stakeholders.
She highlighted the importance of sustained engagement, transparent reporting and timely follow-up in maintaining momentum and strengthening confidence among international partners.
Germany also identified potential opportunities for greater cooperation in agriculture, food processing, technology, manufacturing and renewable energy.
Both sides emphasized stronger interaction between the private sectors of Pakistan and Germany as a means of converting bilateral economic engagement into practical commercial partnerships.
Pakistan Raises Basmati Rice GI Issue
During the meeting, Rana Isaan Afzal raised Pakistan’s concerns regarding the Geographical Indication (GI) status of Basmati rice.
He briefed the German Ambassador on Pakistan’s position concerning India’s GI application before the European Commission, as well as Pakistan’s own application for protection of Basmati rice.
Afzal outlined the legal, historical and commercial grounds supporting Pakistan’s position and emphasized the importance of protecting the interests of Pakistani Basmati growers, producers and exporters.
Ambassador Lepel stressed the importance of appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms to protect producers, farmers and exporters.
She noted that effective protection of geographical indications can strengthen the recognition of agricultural products in international markets, support rural livelihoods and increase the value of agricultural exports.
German Companies Invited to FoodAg 2026
Jam Kamal Khan invited Ambassador Lepel and German companies to participate in FoodAg 2026, scheduled to take place in Karachi in November.
The Minister highlighted potential areas of collaboration and investment including agricultural machinery, food processing, livestock breeding, animal nutrition, testing facilities and value-added agricultural products.
He said greater cooperation with German companies could help Pakistan improve agricultural productivity, strengthen quality and export standards, and generate larger exportable surpluses.
The FoodAg exhibition is expected to provide German businesses with an opportunity to engage directly with Pakistani companies, identify investment opportunities and develop partnerships across agriculture and food value chains.
Focus on Technology, Training and Sustainable Agriculture
Ambassador Lepel welcomed the invitation and said German participation in FoodAg could help translate bilateral engagement into practical business and institutional cooperation.
She identified modern agricultural technology, quality assurance, vocational training, research and development, and sustainable production practices as areas with potential for stronger collaboration.
The discussions also covered preparations for a delegation of Pakistani businesspeople to attend a major animal husbandry trade fair in Germany.
According to Ambassador Lepel, such exchanges could facilitate knowledge transfer, strengthen commercial relationships and help identify new opportunities in livestock and related industries.
Pakistan Invited to Asia-Pacific German Business Conference
The German side also invited Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan to attend the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business.
The conference is scheduled for October 29–31, 2026, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and will bring together government and business leaders to discuss trade, investment, economic partnerships and resilient supply chains.
Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the invitation and expressed interest in exploring Pakistan’s participation.
The series of engagements reflects efforts by Pakistan and Germany to broaden economic cooperation beyond traditional trade and toward investment, technology transfer, agricultural value addition, private-sector partnerships and stronger business-to-business linkages.