KARACHI: Strengt­hening economic and cultural ties between Germany and Pakistan was the aim behind the annual chamber night organised by the German Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) on Tuesday.

Apart from exchanging ideas and highlighting developments on the various business exchanges between the two states, folk dances and musical exchanges were also organised and much enjoyed by all.

Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission Birgit Kuhlmann spoke about the necessity of more sustainable and profitable economic ties between Pakistan and Germany. “I hope that commercial exchanges between Germany and Pakistan will increase heavily in the upcoming year,” she said.

Ingolf Vogel, development and cultural attaché of the German Consulate in Karachi, spoke about the need to intensify bilateral trade and called the evening a small part of the broad-based approach by the German consulate to support trade between the two states.

Sindh Minister for Energy Imtiaz Shaikh pledged on behalf of the Sindh government that all efforts would be made to ensure that economic ties between the two states would be further strengthened and taken to a new level in 2019. “As a minister of the government of Sindh, I can confidently say that the government will offer support to bring people together and encourage business between Germany and Pakistan.”

Qazi Sajid Ali, president of the board of directors, GPCCI, said that chamber night was organised with the intention to allow members to interact with one another and find out potential opportunities for the growth of bilateral ties for business, technology and advancements in society. “It is not just about business but also training, in particular vocational training and skill development, capacity building, and empowerment of the underprivileged.”

On the cultural side an evening of the many splendours of Pakistan were presented in the form of a classical music performance where a jugalbandi was held in a fusion of Eastern and Western classical instruments.

Folk dances of the different provinces of Pakistan were also presented in a dazzling array; Sindh, Punjab, Balo­chistan, KP and Kashmir were shown in their glory through signature folk dances and the audience greatly enjoyed the performances. The Germans also presented the Schuhplattler, a traditional Bavarian folk dance that can be traced to the 11th century.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2018