A delegation led by the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Mrs. Swenja Schulz met with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan and Germany have a long history of cordial bilateral relations spanning over several decades.

In a meeting with German delegation including Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Mrs. Svenja Schulze and German Ambassador, CM Maryam Nawaz said Pak-German economic relations are improving day by day. She said cooperation of German companies in sectors like textiles is commendable. Issues related to climate change and environmental protection were also discussed in the meeting. Chief Minister expressed her gratitude for the German aid of €91.1 million for the flood victims of Punjab.

CM Maryam Nawaz praised the German initiative of providing €24 million to Pakistan for sustainable energy. She said,”I appreciate Germany's support for achieving GSP Plus status.” 

The Chief Minister said, “We are determined to gradually increase economic role of women in country's development.” She added that plug and play textile units and garments city projects will increase the economic independence of women. She said skilled women will be able to get excellent employment in the garment industry.

CM Maryam Nawaz said in the Vocational Training Center of Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, women will be given training as well as scholarship. She said,” We are also emphasizing on the importance of empowering women in all sectors.”

Chief Minister said School meal program was being started to remove malnutrition in students of government schools in Punjab. She briefed the visiting German delegation about reforms in education and health sectors of Punjab.

German Minister Mrs. Svenja Schulze said Punjab is a preferred province due to the potential of industry and skilled labor. She added that the presence and participation of women in parliament, government offices and other areas of life is commendable. She appreciated the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, especially her Garments City Project for the economic empowerment of women.

German Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Alfred Gunther Granas, Senior Policy Officer H.E. Antonia Felicitas Peters, Members of German Parliament Kant Gers Chau and Jürgen Kurtz were also included in the visiting German delegation. Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Additional Secretary Sara Hayat were also present.

Reporter: Rao Dilshad Hussain