Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan urges German businesses to join FoodAg 2026 and pursue partnerships across agriculture, technology, manufacturing and renewable energy
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has invited German companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and participate in the upcoming FoodAg exhibition in Karachi, as Islamabad and Berlin seek to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation.
The minister extended the invitation during a meeting with German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel, who called on him at his office. Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries Rana Isaan Afzal, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce also attended.
Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Germany’s longstanding economic cooperation with Pakistan and its constructive role concerning the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to meeting its international obligations and improving coordination between federal ministries and provincial governments.
Ambassador Lepel acknowledged Pakistan’s legislative progress in areas relevant to GSP Plus, while stressing that legislative reforms should translate into effective implementation, measurable outcomes and tangible improvements for citizens.
She also welcomed Pakistan’s structured approach towards its next GSP Plus application and emphasised the importance of continued coordination, transparent reporting and timely follow-up.
Germany highlights investment potential
The German ambassador identified opportunities for stronger cooperation in agriculture, food processing, technology, manufacturing and renewable energy, while encouraging greater interaction between the private sectors of both countries.
During the meeting, Rana Isaan Afzal also raised Pakistan’s position on the Basmati rice Geographical Indication (GI) issue. He briefed the ambassador on India’s GI application before the European Commission and Pakistan’s own application for protection of Basmati rice.
He outlined the legal, historical and commercial grounds supporting Pakistan’s position and stressed the need to protect the interests of Pakistani Basmati growers, producers and exporters.
Ambassador Lepel underscored the importance of appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms to protect producers, farmers and exporters, noting that effective GI protection could improve international product recognition, support rural livelihoods and increase the value of agricultural exports.
German firms invited to FoodAg 2026
Jam Kamal Khan invited the ambassador and German companies to participate in FoodAg Karachi in November 2026, highlighting investment opportunities in agricultural machinery, food processing, livestock breeding, animal nutrition, testing facilities and value addition.
The minister said collaboration with German companies could help Pakistan raise agricultural productivity, improve quality and export standards, and generate larger exportable surpluses.
He added that FoodAg would provide German businesses with an opportunity to engage directly with Pakistani companies, identify investment prospects and develop partnerships throughout agriculture and food value chains.
Ambassador Lepel welcomed the invitation and highlighted opportunities for cooperation in modern agricultural technology, quality assurance, vocational training, research and development, and sustainable production.
The German side also shared plans for a Pakistani business delegation to attend a major animal husbandry trade fair in Germany, with the ambassador noting that such exchanges could promote knowledge transfer and strengthen commercial ties.
Lepel also invited Jam Kamal Khan to attend the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, scheduled for October 29–31, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. The minister welcomed the invitation and expressed interest in exploring participation.