This year, the CoVID-19 pandemic disrupted our public and private life all over the world. Germany contributed in multilateral and bilateral mechanisms to fight CoVID-19, such as the Pakistan Humanitarian Pooled Fund. We are equally active at your side in other causes like the Sindh flood relief.

The pandemic's disruptions delayed my arrival, but it did not stop us: A few weeks ago, I was finally able to take up my assignment as German Consul General in this vibrant city of Karachi. My wife and I look forward to meeting new people and getting to know the Pakistani culture. We hope to explore this diverse country, especially Sindh and Baluchistan, the two provinces of my consular district. Karachi, the financial hub of the country, will be a good starting point to strengthen our bilateral ties by economic and cultural exchange, since it also hosts the German Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Goethe-Institut.

Germany has long been an important trading partner for Pakistan and vice versa. The textile sector, of course, plays an eminent role, with machinery delivered from Germany and products from home textiles to finished garments sent there. However, I see ample opportunities to intensify the cooperation in other sectors.

Besides Berlin, Germany's start-up hub, many cities and regions offer an excellent environment for young companies. Large corporations and numerous SMEs - the famous Mittelstand - make Germany the largest economy in Europe and #3 in the list of top export countries in the world.

Let us all strive together for even closer cooperation between our beloved countries!

On this 3rd of October, we celebrate our 30th anniversary of German Unity together with all our friends in a virtual concert by singer Zoe Viccaji from Karachi: Tune in at 7 pm on @GermanyinKHI and @GermanyinPAK in social media!

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020