On 2nd of June, we hosted our AHK Business Breakfast in Dubai, highlighting one of the countries we proudly represent: Pakistan! The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of AHK UAE, who shared insights into recent AHK activities and developments in the region.
Following his speech, H.E. Sybille Pfaff,Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai, delivered a political update on Germany's recent activities in the UAE and the region, as well as the initiatives undertaken by the German Consulate General in the UAE.
The Pakistan segment commenced with a speech by H.E. Saqlain Syedah, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Germany, who highlighted the country’s potential as a growth hub and emphasized the importance of fostering trade relations and economic collaboration between Germany and Pakistan.
Ruba Nuseibeh, Research Manager at Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), presented a regional economic update on the GCC countries, followed by a more detailed analysis of Pakistan's economic situation. The figures presented underscored the evolving business climate in Pakistan and the opportunities it offers to international investors. Her analysis served as a framework for understanding the economic landscape and its relevance to regional trade.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Unlocking Growth – Pakistan’s Role in the Future of Regional Trade and Industry,” moderated byFlorian Filippo Walther, Pakistan Representative at AHK UAE. This discussion aimed to explore Pakistan's dynamic contributions within the regional trade and industry landscape. The expert panelists included Arno Kirchhof, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Islamabad; Andreas Wegner, Deputy Head of Mission at the Consulate General in Karachi; Dr. Carolin Stumm LL.M., Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Middle East; Atif Aslam Bajwa, President & CEO of Bank Alfalah; and Mehmud Dawood, Director of Dawood Engineering and Honorary Board Member of AHK UAE. They addressed various aspects of trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan, focusing on innovation, infrastructure, and potential partnerships.
To conclude the event, Dr. Constantin Frank-Fahle, Founding Partner at emltc, discussed the legal landscape of Pakistan, providing crucial information about the regulatory environment for foreign investors and companies looking to enter the market.
The conversations highlighted Pakistan's importance as a strategic partner for German businesses. Beyond its strong textiles and agriculture sectors, which are major contributors to exports, Pakistan has the potential to make significant strides in IT and technology, fueled by its young and driven population.
