RCCI Urges Establishment Of German Trade Desk To Boost Bilateral Trade
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has called for establishing a dedicated German Trade Desk in Pakistan along with a Pakistan–Germany Joint Chamber of Commerce to facilitate local businesses in exploring European markets, developing strategic commercial linkages, and strengthening trade cooperation.
Usman Shaukat, RCCI President, made the proposal during a visit by German Ambassador Ina Lepel to the chamber. During their meeting, both sides discussed key economic drivers. It was highlighted that bilateral trade currently stands above USD 2.5 billion. With Pakistani exports to Germany at nearly USD 1.7 billion against imports of around USD 880 million.
Usman Shaukat emphasized expanding joint ventures in high-potential sectors including IT, agriculture and agri-tech, fintech, energy-efficient construction, pharmaceuticals, mining and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development. He also commended Germany’s continued backing for Pakistan’s GSP+ status.
Ambassador Ina Lepel, addressing the business community, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to furthering bilateral economic ties with Pakistan, focusing on private sector growth, climate mitigation, health, and vocational education. She noted that continued engagement would be important on GSP+ related matters.
Both sides agreed to accelerate joint efforts to expand trade, investment, technology transfer and business-to-business linkages for sustainable economic growth.
Senior Vice President RCCI, Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, members of the executive committee, and representatives of various business sectors were also present during the ambassador’s meeting.
