German envoy urges Pakistan to tap full GSP Plus potential to boost exports beyond textiles

German Ambassador Ms. Ina Lepel urged Pakistan to fully utilize the wide-ranging opportunities available under the GSP Plus scheme to enhance exports to Germany, stressing diversification beyond traditional sectors to strengthen the national economy.

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) German Ambassador Ms. Ina Lepel urged Pakistan to fully utilize the wide-ranging opportunities available under the GSP Plus scheme to enhance exports to Germany, stressing diversification beyond traditional sectors to strengthen the national economy.

Addressing the business community during a meeting at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), she expressed satisfaction over bilateral relations and said that Pakistan offered strong potential for investment due to its road network and basic infrastructure, though challenges related to taxation and regulatory frameworks still needed to be addressed.

She appreciated German technology and emphasized that Pakistan should benefit from it to improve industrial productivity and competitiveness.

Referring to the GSP Plus facility, she said that Pakistan was currently benefiting mainly through textile and leather exports whereas a wide range of non-traditional products also qualified for duty-free access and these should be explored.

The envoy also highlighted Germany’s development support for Pakistan and said that European Union funds were available for improvement in various sectors including textiles, and it should be effectively utilized.

She said that Germany, through GIZ, was actively supporting technical education in Pakistan and it would continue cooperation in this field.

She informed that around 10,000 Pakistani students were currently studying in Germany while skilled laborers were also traveling for vocational training, emphasizing the importance of learning German language.

Responding to queries, she said that visas were issued under a defined procedure.

She underscored the need for establishing a Pakistan-Germany Joint Chamber of Commerce to facilitate direct interaction between private sectors of both countries.

Earlier, President FCCI Farooq Yousaf Sheikh welcomed the guests and appreciated strong Pak-German relations, calling for further expansion.

He thanked Germany for its support in water supply projects in Faisalabad and said that Pakistan’s exports to Germany during 2025-26 stood at $987 million, reflecting a favorable trade balance. He termed Germany as Pakistan’s most reliable partner within the European Union and acknowledged its role in the country’s development.

He also pointed out delays faced by exporters in securing visa appointments and suggested establishing a dedicated desk at the embassy or allocating a specific day each week for chamber members.

During interactive session, the participants including Waheed Khaliq Ramay, Zahid Butt, Salman Arshad, Muhammad Raees, Ali Raza and Kashif Anjum raised various issues.

Senior Vice President FCCI Naveed Akram Sheikh presented a vote of thanks while the FCCI president conferred a commemorative lapel pin related to the chamber’s golden jubilee celebrations on the ambassador, along with a shield and gifts.

The envoy also recorded impressions in the FCCI Visitors’ Book and joined the participants for a group photograph.

Vice President FCCI Engineer Asim Munir and executive members Umar Farooq Kahlon, Shahid Majeed, Muhammad Haroon Waheed and Mian Muhammad Tayyab were also present on the occasion.