KARACHI: The German envoy to Pakistan on Thursday acknowledged that it was difficult to bring German investors to Pakistan but with improved law and order situation things are likely to change.

German Ambassador Ina Lepel said once investors visit Pakistan, their perception changes. She hoped business-to-business meetings and exchange of delegations will boost economic cooperation between the two countries.

She went on to add that German companies are keen to participate in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Talking to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President, Abdul Rauf Alam, the Germany ambassador said her country was keen to participate in CPEC by investing in energy generation projects including renewables and power saving initiatives.

She said some German companies are facing issues and hoped they would be resolved at the earliest.

The FPCCI president drew the attention of the ambassador towards benefits of direct flights between the two countries.

He expressed concern over scaling down of operations in Pakistan by a leading engineering company.

He suggested that German carmakers should also make their presence felt in Pakistan.

The FPCCI chief requested Ms Lepel to convince a German company manufacturing quality plants of rice and flour mills to invest in Pakistan as they did in China and India.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2016