Key Takeaways
- Germany calls for effective implementation of Pakistan’s legislative reforms linked to GSP Plus.
- Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce meets with German Ambassador to discuss ongoing efforts.
- Opportunities in agriculture, food processing and renewable energy are highlighted for bilateral cooperation.
Germany has urged Pakistan to implement legislative reforms effectively under the European Union’s GSP Plus trade scheme, during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, emphasized the need for measurable results and tangible improvements as Pakistan prepares for its next application for GSP Plus.
Ambassador Lepel acknowledged Pakistan’s legislative progress and positive developments, noting that these efforts reflect the country’s commitment to reforms and stronger institutional mechanisms.
She stressed the importance of translating legislative measures into effective implementation, measurable results, and tangible improvements for citizens.
During the meeting, Rana Isaan Afzal, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries, raised the issue of Pakistan’s Basmati rice Geographical Indication (GI) before the German Ambassador.
He briefed the envoy on Pakistan’s position on India’s GI application before the European Commission and Pakistan’s own application to protect Basmati rice, highlighting the legal, historical, and commercial grounds underpinning the case.
Ambassador Lepel underscored the importance of protecting the interests of producers, farmers, and exporters through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.
She noted that effective protection of geographical indications could strengthen product recognition in international markets, support rural livelihoods, and enhance the value of agricultural exports.
Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan invited the German Ambassador and German companies to participate in the upcoming FoodAg exhibition in Karachi in November 2026.
The minister highlighted opportunities for collaboration and investment in agricultural machinery, food processing, livestock breeding, animal nutrition, testing facilities, and value addition.
He emphasized that such collaboration could help Pakistan improve agricultural productivity, strengthen quality and export standards, and generate greater exportable surpluses.
Ambassador Lepel welcomed the invitation and expressed hope that German participation in FoodAg could help translate bilateral engagement into practical benefits.
Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and strengthening coordination among federal ministries and provincial governments.
Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce
Effective protection of geographical indications could strengthen product recognition in international markets, support rural livelihoods and enhance the value of agricultural exports.
Ina Lepel, German Ambassador to Pakistan
