October 11, 2006	Wednesday	Ramazan 17, 1427

KARACHI, Oct 10: There is a need to diversify Pakistani exports to Germany since 80 per cent of the trade is restricted to textile and leather.

“The present trade regime of both Pakistan and Germany does not reflect the desired potential that is achievable,” Hans-Joachim Kiderlen, Consul General of Germany, said this during his meeting with Majyd Aziz, President, and members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said: “Individual German businessmen are very satisfied with their business partners here and prefer to do business with those who have developed long-term relationships because of high quality and reliability of Pakistani entrepreneurs.”

The German consul general was agreeable to the idea of a business-friendly visa system in the consulate as in his opinion genuine businessmen and their technical people should be given due consideration.

The German diplomat, who has been in Karachi for about a month, pointed out that there was a need to remove the `fixed’ mindset and perception that foreigners have of Karachi and said that it was very difficult to change overnight.

Majyd Aziz said efforts should be initiated to make trade and joint ventures more meaningful and profitable.--APP