ISLAMABAD: A German delegation, led by BVMW (German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses) Country Representative Matthew D. Shaw, on Wednesday announced plans to bring about 30 German companies to Pakistan and link local businesses to European markets.

Mr Shaw assured about initiatives to provide guaranteed loans of up to 10 million for Pakistani SMEs to procure German, Swiss, and Austrian equipment, along with plans to establish an SME-focused investment fund.

He also informed to strengthen the EU-Pakistan Business Network and requested continued support from Islamabad in achieving these objectives.

Mr Shaw explained these plans in a meeting with Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh in the latter’s office.

He also extended an invitation to the Federal Minister to attend Germany’s upcoming ‘Futures Day’, stating that the Minister’s participation would send a strong global message that Pakistan is open for business.

Mr Matthew D. Shaw, who has been serving as BVMW’s Country Representative to Pakistan since 2024, briefed the federal minister about the role of BVMW as Germany’s largest SME association, representing over 30,000 companies with a presence in 80 countries.

He shared that he first visited Pakistan in 2008 and has since developed a strong connection with the country, establishing multiple business ventures across sectors including financial services, oil and gas, LPG, real estate, marketing, and IT.

Mr. Shaw also briefed the Federal Minister on plans to establish vocational training institutions in Pakistan to equip youth with skills aligned with German market needs, creating employment opportunities abroad and boosting remittances.

He also advocated for easing visa processes for Pakistani nationals. The delegation appreciated the Federal Minister’s leadership and the ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business.

Mr Shaw noted that German investors are generally risk-averse, and the reforms spearheaded under the Minister’s guidance are critical in building investor confidence.

During the meeting, they discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral investment, SME cooperation, and economic connectivity between Pakistan and Germany.

The federal minister appreciated Mr Shaw’s longstanding association with Pakistan. He acknowledged Mr Shaw’s role in strengthening Pakistan-Germany business relations and facilitating linkages between SMEs of both the countries.

The federal minister praised Mr. Shaw’s commitment and noted that such engagements reflect growing international confidence in Pakistan’s economy. He emphasized that the Government is actively promoting a business-friendly environment through regulatory reforms and facilitation measures led by the Board of Investment.

Mr Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s immense economic potential, particularly its young population, with nearly 60 percent comprising youth. He stressed that Pakistan offers vast opportunities across sectors, which need to be effectively projected internationally. The Federal Minister further shared his own strong background in the business community, including his role as former President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, and noted his longstanding engagement with German companies. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting joint ventures and facilitating foreign investors. Discussions also focused on facilitating SMEs through access to high-quality European machinery. The Federal Minister welcomed the initiatives offered by the delegation and assured full support from the Board of Investment, stating that “BOI will extend every possible facilitation to investors and partners working towards Pakistan’s economic growth.”

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026