German delegation meets BOI chairman to discuss renewable energy projects

ISLAMABAD: German delegation led by Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Martin Kobler and Managing Director Siemens Pakistan, Helmut Von Struve, called on MOS/Chairman Board of Investment, Haroon Sharif, at BOI office here on Wednesday.

Chairman BOI explained to the delegates that the government has prioritized skills development and technology development.

For this Pakistan welcomes experience and knowledge transfer from the international partners, particularly Siemens which was a global giant in engineering and technology sector.

He added that the research and development, networking and experience of Siemens will be of great value, which should be transformed into concrete programmes for Pakistani educational institutions, particularly in engineering and technology disciplines.

The Managing Director of Siemens apprised the Chairman BOI of similar projects already undertaken by his company in Pakistan and the rest of the world.

This includes grants for strengthening engineering school in LUMS as well as establishing and managing an educational institution.

The representatives of Siemens also highlighted some of the global projects of similar nature, including provision of licensed software worth millions of dollars to institutes, making it a part of the curriculum and providing trainer to the faculty members.

They said that similar kinds of programmes were being designed for Pakistan and, for this purpose the company was already looking at technical education universities and institutions in the country.

German Ambassador, Martin Kobler, also informed Chairman BOI that Chairman of Siemens will be visiting Pakistan next month for the purpose of putting these ideas into shape.

Chairman BOI assured all kind of assistance to make the visit fruitful by arranging meetings and finalizing deals with the relevant stakeholders.

MD Siemens also showed interest in partnering with Pakistan for developing energy landscape of the country, i.e. a mix of conventional and renewable energy projects.

Sharif assured full assistance and cooperation in this regard as well and asked the delegates to focus particularly on productive skill and knowledge transfer strategies and programmes.