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Dear Friends,

Germany has a new Federal President, the previous Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. His successor in the Federal Foreign Office is Sigmar Gabriel, previously Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. In a speech on 24 March Foreign Minister Gabriel said:

“… I am therefore convinced that we need to redefine our policy on Asia. We must intensify our relations with Asia and shape them more strategically in order to do even greater justice to the ever-growing importance of this region, with its population of over four billion and its rapidly expanding markets. That is why I have decided to establish the first ever Asia Directorate-General at the Federal Foreign Office. The aim is to harness our regional competences more effectively and develop them further. The current structures still reflect in part the bipolar, Cold War global order. It is high time they were adapted to take account of Asia’s increasing importance.

However, that can only be a first step. It is important that Asia, as a key region for the future, becomes even more firmly established in our minds and in our day-to-day work – at the Federal Foreign Office, in the Federal Government, and in the EU.

Today more than ever, Europe needs reliable partners in the world. With that in mind, we want to further expand our existing partnerships in Asia and push forward on new agreements. We need reliable rules for free and fair trade which creates jobs both here and in Asia and which respects social standards. Furthermore, we want to do even more for conflict prevention in the region, as well as to strengthen regional institutions and to promote multilateralism. This policy realignment must be flexible enough to take account of all facets of this complex continent. At the same time, it must be firmly oriented to the values to which we adhere and which we wish to defend. More and more frequently, the paths to solutions to the global issues facing us lead through Asia. We therefore need openness and cooperation.”

Currently on holiday in Berlin, I had the pleasure to attend a masterpiece of public diplomacy at Ambassador Jauhar Saleem's cultural programme and reception on the occasion of the Pakistan Day, 23 March, in Berlin. In his speech Ambassador Saleem highlighted the successful co-operation between Pakistan and Germany. Listening to his words, I felt reaffirmed in my conviction that Pakistan remains one of those reliable partners in Asia for us Germans mentioned by Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Contributing to the Pakistan Day celebration, Prof. Jansen, German scholar, famous for his findings on the Indus Valley Culture, Zebunnisa Bangash, singer from Pakistan, who performed with German musicians, and Sherezad Rahimtoola with Elan, showcasing jewels, fashion and textiles, the latter being a most important sector of the trade between Germany and Pakistan, gave a multifaceted view of the excellent relations between both countries. I trust that by implementing new initiatives in 2017 the Board and the members of GPCCI will have a good share in strengthening the economic part of our excellent relations.

Yours sincerely, Rainer Schmiedchen, Consul-General www.karachi.diplo.de https://www.facebook.com/GermanConsulateGeneralKarachi

Dear Readers,

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for taking interest in GPCCI and our activities. I meet many people who tell me about how much they enjoy reading our newsletters and that it provides them with a good overview of our activities both current and planned. Here I would like to draw your attention to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GPCCI/) where you can get timely updates on our various initiatives and activities. You can also connect with us online and provide valuable feedback so please visit our page, like it and also circulate it amongst your friends and contacts.

In other news, we are expecting another SES expert at the end of March. Dr. Titius is a retired medical practitioner with decades of experience. He will be placed at the Pakistan Eye Bank Society (PEBS) for a period of three weeks, training staff there on improving the hospitals operations and procedures. PEBS is an advanced and well-developed hospital in the north of Karachi specializing in eye care and other areas of medicine. SES can assist your organisation achieve new heights and they have experts in 70 different sectors. If you would like to discuss how SES can help your organisation develop, please get in touch with my colleague Ahmer Arif on [email protected].

Lately we have had a surge in enquiries received from Germany as German companies are eyeing the Pakistan market in sectors like renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, engineering and machinery. We will provide more updates here and on our Facebook page once things materialize. There are also a lot of talented individuals working in areas of art, architecture and cultural interactions between Germany and Pakistan.

GPCCI is developing its network and handle partnerships with independent organisations and service providers so as to better enquiries we receive from companies. We have recently signed an agreement with ICIL to provide credit checks and financial due diligence services for German companies who require such information before doing business with Pakistani companies. We are also in the process of signing agreements with some legal service providers to assist companies seeking legal advice and mediation services.

Best Regards, Ines Chabbi

Agreement with ICIL

GPCCI signed an agreement with ICIL Credit Bureau Pakistan whereby ICIL will provide credit checks and financial due diligence reports on companies in Pakistan. GPCCI often gets requests from German companies inquiring about the financial position of prospective partners in Pakistan. GPCCI can now provide this service to German companies after our MOU with ICIL.

ICIL-Pakistan has the country's largest credit information database of all public, private limited, partnership firms and self-employed individuals. It also owns a Credit Bureau for both Inter- bank and Inter-business platforms. ICIL-Pakistan manages these businesses under three legal entities and have cooperation agreements with American, European, Australian and Asian companies.

Dinner organised by Rastgar Engineering – Wednesday, 8th March 2017

Our member Rastgar Engineering Company Limited organised a reception to meet Mr. David Fenwick, Sales Manager for Gardner Denver and Mr. John Fyfe, Distribution Sales Manager for Gardner Denver. Rastgar & Co have been in the market supplying for Gardner Denver and CompAir products and have more than 3000 installations across all industrial sectors of Pakistan. The visit by Mr. Fenwick and Mr. Fyfe reinforces the 30 plus years of relationship Rastgar & Company has with Gardner Denver.

Pakistan through the lens of a German photographer

Manolo Ty is an artist from Germany who has a passion to capture sights in his mind, gives it voice through his lens that almost instantaneously stimulates the soul. Manolo Ty has visited 97 countries in which he showcased his exquisite work in 60 exhibitions across the globe. However, he exuberates that, as by far his most scintillating experience has been his visit to Pakistan. During his stay of two months in Pakistan, Manolo was on the road capturing the images of far-flung rural and urban areas depicting the cultural diversity, rich heritage and colourful scenic views from Khyber to Karachi. He termed his visit to Pakistan as one of the most fascinating and heartfelt experience he has ever had.

Upon his return to Germany, Ty started working on the best images taken during his fascinating tour and gave it a name “PAKISTAN NOW”. His book has launched on February 1st, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. Manolo Ty explores the beautiful moments of common Pakistanis, depicting the strength of human spirit. This beautiful 288-page coffee table book shows the life of resilient Pakistanis, cultural diversity and its stunning heritage. The unique book is a tribute to the people of Pakistan!

The limited edition of the coffee-table-book “Pakistan NOW” is available in Europe and Pakistan for sale at 49.95 Euros. Please call on 0333-9147551 or visit the Facebook link below to place your orders https://www.facebook.com/TheBookPakistanNOW.

Review about the book from Oscar double winner from Pakistan - Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

" Manolo TY has beautifully captured the magic in the ordinary lives of Pakistani people, finding beauty in unexpected places and bringing it to life. The captivating imagery illustrates the tales of the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and the simple pleasures of life."

Pakistan is one of the few countries with such a dynamic landscape: rivers, deserts, lakes, waterfalls, springs, glaciers and much more– it seems to contain every aspect of a landscape in great abundance.

The much renowned Valley is often referred to as heaven on earth. Enveloped by the grand Himalayas and the mountain ranges, this area has been and continues to be a great tourist attraction. Hunza is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Gilgit and a once hard scrabble Himalayan town where residents barely had enough to eat was known as Karimabad.

Hunza is now one of Pakistan’s most idyllic spots – an oasis of tolerance, security and high educational standards. This standard of living can be traced to the residents’ moderate interpretation of Islam as well as the considerable support it receives from one of the world’s largest charities.

The is the centerpiece of the Karakorum Highway. The flow of its river, the Hunza River, through mighty grey-brown scree slopes and up to snowy peaks, including 7788m Rakaposhi which is a reminder of the river’s deep impact across the Karakoram. In spring, the famous fruit trees erupt with white blossoms whereas in autumn a riot of yellow poplars and bright red orchards dominate the landscape. If one takes a look at the houses in the villages, it is easy to spot the golden maize drying on the rooftops. Irrigation sustains the numerous orchards of Hunza’s famous apricots, peaches, plums, apples, grapes, cherries and walnuts. The irrigation system also sustains the fields of maize wheat, and the ever-present poplars, a fast-growing source of fodder, firewood and timber.

The word ‘Hunza’ is commonly used to categorize the entire broad valley. In fact, two former princely states, Hunza and Nagyr (nah-gr), which shared a language and ancestry, face one another across the river. Hunza refers to the villages on the north bank from Khizerabad to Ghareghat (or sometimes as far as Nazimabad). Gojal is sometimes described as part of Hunza too. Smaller but more populous Nagyr occupies the entire southern side of the valley and the northern side around Chalt, which includes Rakaposhi and the lower Hispar Glacier.

Although it enjoys less media fame, Nagyr is home to some of the best treks in the Karakoram Baltit Hunza’s ancient capital. Its magnificent fort, built on top of a throne-like ridge with UltarNala yawning behind it, has always been the kingdom’s focal point. The fort served as the royal palace for over 750 years until the last century, when sounder quarters were built below it in what came to be known as Karimabad. The name is now also used forBaltit and the surrounding complex of ancient tribal hamlets.

DIHK Economic Survey February 2017

The DIHK Economic Survey is conducted regularly in Germany whereby 79 Chambers of Trade & Industry get feedback from 27,000 organisations on their perception of the current business and economic climate in Germany. To view the DIHK Economic Survey results for February 2017. please visit: http://www.dihk.de/ressourcen/downloads/dihk-konjunkturflyer-jahresbeginn-17- engl.pdf/at_download/file?mdate=1486478466542.

Events in Pakistan

SOLAR Pakistan is the only dedicated solar energy event in Pakistan, it serves as a platform where key decision makes and stake holders can discuss a way forward to propel Pakistan into energy self-sufficiency Dates: 16-18 March 2017 Event Location: Lahore Expo Centre Website: www.solarfairpakistan.com E-mail: [email protected]

3P Pakistan is one of the premier exhibitions of plastic, printing and packaging industry which is participated by machinery manufacturers and raw material suppliers form around the world. Event Location: Lahore Expo Centre Dates: 24-26 March 2017 Website: www.plasprintpack.com.pk E-mail: [email protected]

FOOD + TECH Pakistan provides a platform to the leading international and local players from the food industry to showcase their latest technologies and products. Event Location: Lahore Expo Centre Dates: 24-26 March 2017 Website: www.foodntechnology.com.pk E-mail: [email protected]

IGATEX Pakistan is the largest and most successful exhibition of the Garment, Textile Machinery & Accessories industry in the region; the event connects international suppliers with the local buyers. Event Location: Karachi Expo Centre Dates: 26-29 April 2017 Website: www.igatex.pk E-mail: [email protected]

ICADEX Pakistan is an ideal platform for the international and local exhibitors and buyers to develop business relationships to promote and expand Pakistan’s chemical and dyeing industry. Event Location: Karachi Expo Centre Dates: 26-29 April 2017 Website: www.icadexpakistan.com E-mail: [email protected]

DPS World is Pakistan’s premier event that caters the consistently evolving industry of signage, graphic imaging, screen & digital printing. Event Location: Lahore Expo Centre Dates: 20-22 October 2017 Website: www.dps-world.com E-mail: [email protected]

Events in Germany

Techno Classica Essen, Germany 05.04.2017 - 9.04.2017

Techno Classica Essen showcases products like Vintage, classic cars, motorcycles, restoration, spare parts, tools and maintenance products, classic cars, Tuning, historic commercial vehicles, boats, airplanes, model cars, watches, accessories, clothing etc. in the Automotive industry. http://10times.com/techno-classica-essen

Medtec Europe Stuttgart, Germany 4.04.2017 – 06.04.2017

Medtec Europe is a 3 day event being held from 4th April to 6th April 2017 at the Messe Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany. This event showcases products like showcase medical specialty products, testing tools, cardiovascular equipments, orthopedic tools, surgical instruments and in vitro diagnostic equipments, and high quality hospital machinery etc. in the Medical & Pharmaceutical, Scientific Instruments, Ayurvedic & Herbal industries http://www.medteceurope.com/europe/

Report Disclaimer

This document has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information available at the date of publication without any independent verification. GPCCI does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information in this report/publication nor its usefulness in achieving any purpose. Readers are responsible for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the content of this publication. GPCCI will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on information in this publication. Products/Companies may be identified by proprietary or trade names to help readers identify particular types of Products/Companies but this is not, and is not intended to be, an endorsement or recommendation of any product or manufacturer referred to. Other Products/Companies may perform as well or better than those specifically referred to. Any text/content of the magazine is fully cited, in case there is a reference which is not supported with citation or permission, GPCCI does not take the responsibility for any legal consequence. The contents of the magazine are subject to copyright. \

Formerly German Pakistan Trade and Investment

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