ISLAMABAD, SEPT 30 (DNA) – Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Bernhard Stephan Schlagheck, paid a courtesy call on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Hammad Azhar.

Both sides took stock of the existing Development Cooperation and expressed satisfaction at the trajectory of cooperation in different areas since 1961.

The Ambassador emphasized on a closer contact between the German Embassy and Economic Affairs Division for sustainable economic development in Pakistan through technical and vocational training, increase in trade and market access.

It was agreed to work closely for facilitation of business community by enhancing transfer of technology, establishment of joint ventures and trade Delegations.

The Minister thanked the German Government for the grant assistance, geared towards the betterment of the people of Pakistan and congratulated Mr. Bernhard Schlagheck on successfully concluding the Government to Government Negotiations between the two sides, wherein Euros 109 Million were committed by the German Government for various projects in priority sectors i.e. Energy, Governance and Sustainable Economic Development.

Minister for Economic Affairs, briefed the incoming Ambassador about current and planned development priorities of the Pakistani Government, which include a stronger focus on transparency, institutional reforms, poverty alleviation, human resource development and green energy. Both sides exchanged views n increasing the cost effectiveness of development assistance initiatives.

The Minister said that the Government of Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening cooperation between the two sides and hoped to engage in projects which are geared towards the betterment of the people of Pakistan.=DNA

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