By Syed Sajid Aziz
(Pakistan News &
Features Services)
“Europe has become
popular among Pakistanis after it has been granted GSP Plus by the European
Union (EU) early this year.”
This was stated by
Germany’s Consul General in Karachi Dr Tilo Klinner while addressing the office
bearers and members of the Karachi Union of Journalists-D (KUJ) and the Karachi
Press Club on May 21.
“The GSP Plus status is
a proof of confidence shown by the European countries on Pakistan, because of
which huge foreign investments are coming here in different sectors,” he
remarked, adding that in order to fully exploit the GSP Plus, Pakistan should
have to comply with the international conventions it signed earlier.
He said that a big
potential of Pakistan’s agro products did exist but the Pakistani exporters
must adhere to the European quarantine regulations, reminding Germany was
already importing Pakistan’s rice and wheat.
The German Consul
General praised the investment policies of the Punjab government due to which a
number of foreign investors are being attracted to invest in the province of
Punjab.
He was of the opinion
that Pak-India bilateral trade is not only in the interest of both the
neighbouring countries but beneficial to the region as
well.
Dr Kllinner reckoned
that the conditions for the working journalists in Pakistan were getting harder
day by day and it was the need of the hour to create awareness among the
journalists about their safety and protection.
He agreed to the
proposals given by the KUJ to hold training courses and workshops in
collaboration with the German Consulate for journalists and initiate
journalists exchange programme between the two countries.
He said that he would
write to the Berlin Press Club to coordinate with the Karachi Press Club. He
further agreed to facilitate the journalists in teaching German language.
Dr Klinner also informed
that a large delegation of businessmen from Germany will be visiting Pakistan
soon to explore the opportunities for trade and investment.
He offered full support
to the KPC and the KUJ, committing to encourage and facilitate them in their
professional activities.
