Education, tourism, economic reforms: Ahsan, German envoy discuss cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan Ina Lepel called on Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal here on Thursday and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, culture, economic reforms and investment promotion.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Germany relations and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships in areas of shared interest.

During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s economic recovery and reform agenda, highlighting improvements in macroeconomic stability, declining inflation, lower policy rates and renewed investor confidence.

He underscored the government’s efforts to modernise public-sector governance through the digitalisation of development planning processes, including the transformation of the Planning Commission’s project management and approval systems to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability.

The minister also emphasised Pakistan’s keen interest in expanding cooperation with Germany in higher education, faculty development, research collaboration, scholarships and academic exchange programmes to strengthen human capital development.

He further invited Germany to collaborate in promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan and welcomed German expertise in tourism planning and institutional development.

Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted preparations for the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal next year, noting Germany’s special significance in Iqbal’s intellectual journey, and expressed the desire for strong German participation in the international events being planned to commemorate the occasion.

Ambassador Ina Lepel appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts and development priorities and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in education, sustainable development, cultural exchanges and economic engagement.