FAISALABAD, June 11: The Federal Republic of Germany has offered help to Pakistan in education, health and renewable energy sectors.

This was stated by German Ambassador Dr Bruemmer on Tuesday. He was speaking at a meeting of the members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Tuesday.

The ambassador said that Chancellor Schreoder had offered 100 million Dutch marks to re-intensify business relations with small and medium entrepreneurs, 50 million Dutch marks for new developmental projects and a handsome amount for education in Pakistan.

He said that the tension between India and Pakistan again proved detrimental to the economic activities in the region. “The situation is now improving and it will help German investors to gain confidence and invest in this region.”

He said that de-escalation of tension has provided an opportunity to Pakistan to attract foreign investment and improve Pakistan-Germany bilateral economic relations.

He said that the economic relations between Pakistan and Germany witnessed ups and downs during the last few yeas. The economic relations were at the lowest ebb when President Musharraf took over in October 1999. After September 11 incident, Pakistan’s economy witnessed a positive improvement because of heavy foreign investment and aid.

He said that Germany made over US $10 million investment in Pakistan, including construction of Ghazi Brotha hydro-power project and filling station of a soft-drink company in Lahore.

“The German government is also ready to write off the loans offered for education in Pakistan,” the ambassador said.

FCCI Acting President Sartaj M. Siddiqui suggested in his welcome speech that joint marketing companies should be established to cement economic relations.

He said that exchange of trade delegations and organization of exhibitions between the two countries can also help businessmen of two countries.

Later, a shield of FCCI and album containing photographs of the visit of Dr Bruemmer to Faisalabad was also presented to him by FCCI Vice-President Shahid Ahmad Sheikh.