Germany is the fourth big trade partner of Pakistan: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that there are bright prospects of increase in trade between Pakistan and Germany in the coming days.while addressing an important meeting of Pakistan German Business Forum in Berlin today ,he said that best relations exist between Pakistan and Germany since 1947. He said that at present, more than 30 thousand Pakistanis are living in Germany and it is the fourth big trade partner. However, substantial increase in trade is need of the hour, he added.

Addressing the meeting, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and said that transfer of power through recent elections is a proof of stability of democracy in Pakistan. He said that the role of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for furthering the peace process in Afghanistan and policy of best relations with India is commendable.

Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif  said that after recent national elections, German Foreign Minister was the first important foreign personality who visited Pakistan. He said that establishment of Pakistan German Business Forum with the cooperation of German government in 1990 is a clear proof of the interest of Germany in trade with Pakistan.

The Chief Minister said that matter of the dictatorship in Pakistan has become the story of past and now there is an era of justice and democracy in the country. He said that judiciary is independent and media is playing its active role in Pakistan.

Shahbaz Sharif said that 60 percent population of Pakistan consisted of youth and it is the endeavor of the government that the youth of the country should play their positive role in strengthening its economy through their abilities instead of going towards extremism. He said that earlier only elite has the monopoly over education of international standard in Pakistan but now we have provided this quality education to the children of the poorest families through Daanish schools.

The Chief Minister said that elimination of terrorism is a big challenge for the government. He said that terrorism has not started suddenly but the causes of terrorism can easily be found in the incidents happened in Afghanistan in the decade of 80. He said it is not a secret that Osama Bin Ladin or Taliban worriers are the product of Afghan policy of the West. Does West know that Pakistan has sacrificed more than 50 thousand precious human lives in the war against terrorism, he questioned.

Shahbaz Sharif in his fiery speech said that we are thankful to German government for celebrating Trade Day with Pakistan in Berlin. He said that we do not want aid but have come to get technical assistance and trade cooperation. He stressed upon Germany to open its markets for Pakistan, remove difficulties in trade and make investment in Pakistan.

Earlier, while talking to German and Pakistani media in Berlin, the Chief Minister said that West and East Germany resolved their issues by setting example of unity and made wonderful progress. He said that all national issues including Kashmir cannot be resolved without economic stability. He said that we did not request any country for aid but have come with trade agenda. Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan will have to rely on its own resources for preferring national dignity.

He said that government is engaged in making up the loss caused to Pakistan during previous era. He said that overcoming load-shedding is as much essential as terrorism. He said that PML-N government is coping with the challenges being faced by the country with determination and courage.