The Consul General of Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Tilo
Klinner gas asked the apex trade body – Federation of Pakistan Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to provide him the concrete proposals required
for promoting and strengthening women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The German
diplomat was talking to the acting President FPCCI Rukhsana Jehangir along with
Vice Presidents, Gulzar Firoz, Abdul Khaliq and Chairman Standing Committee on
Foreign Investment Shaikh Humayun Saeed, and Mir Nasir Abbas D.G International
Affairs in a meeting held here the CG also discussed matters of mutual
interests.
The CG also informed the business representatives that he
would also hold one more session in FPCCI where he will bring the visa officer
to streamline the visa issuance which is mentioned at every step.
The CG advised Rukhsana Jehangir to present all those
proposals which require strengthening and support to women entrepreneurial
projects from German agencies. He said that database of women stakeholders would
be collected so as to progress forward and take up the matter in Berlin.
The Consul General Dr. Klinner was joined by Mian Abrar and
Mr. Qazi Managing Director BSAF, and President of Pakistan German Business
Forum. The acting President emphasized the need for close collaboration with
the German Consulate for enhancing bilateral trade and investment in Pakistan.
She further added that being a woman Vice President of apex trade body her
prime objective is to give support to women entrepreneurs who are mostly small
and medium, and require full support in the field of product development and
capacity building on order to attract international buyers and suppliers. She
requested the CG to get support for Agencies such as GIZ and other prominent
organizations and government agencies who can provide support in the field of
fairs and exhibitions, value addition, etc.
Vice President FPCCI, Gulzar Firoz pointed out that there
were very little German delegations visiting Pakistan and emphasized the need
for getting more trade and investment delegations. Especially after the visit
of German Foreign Minister to Pakistan and after the general elections held in
Pakistan the environment is feasible and conducive to business development. He
further added that FPCCI through Pak-German Business Council can promote
collaboration in the field of chemicals, which will eventually help the export
sector of Pakistan. Mr. Humayun Sayeed while appreciating the initiative taken
by the Vice President, said that the FPCCI and Pak-German Business Forum are
duplicating tasks by working in isolation with each other instead of work
through the Business Council of FPCCI. He suggested that we can work more
positively this way, join hands and hold a joint session since both of us have
a common goal. It was decided by the Consul General that an interactive session
should be held at FPCCI having BoD of Pak-German Business Forum and office
bearers of Pak-German Business Council PGBF would also like to take SAARC on
board when they meet at the FPCCI.
