Exploring New Avenues: General Raheel’s Visit to Germany

During his recent trip to Germany, COAS Gen Raheel Sharif urged the world that terrorism is a global phenomenon and it needs to be dealt globally. He briefed the German leadership about the challenges being faced by his army and the sacrifices being rendered by his men, before and during the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation. Why was it important to visit Germany and brief its leadership on the successes and challenges needs an answer.

Pakistan is not putting all its eggs in one basket – China. Under the competent and compelling direction of Sartaj Aziz, it is exploring new avenues in world’s other power centres, like America, Russia and others. European Union is another power centre and Germany is the hub of that power. Chancellor Mekral has demonstrated a Margret Thatcher like iron leadership. Moreover, the economic and financial development cooperation between Pakistan and Germany goes back to 1961, with trade investment exceeding €2.3bn. Germany is Pakistan's fourth largest trade partner; both enjoy extremely close and cordial relationships. Before the reunification of Germany, Pakistan maintained warm and cordial relationships with both Germanys. In 2000, Germany became one of Pakistan's most important allies surrounding the war in North-West Pakistan against terrorists.

In recent years, the Germany-Pakistan trade and science relations have progressed greatly with Germany investing in and trading with Pakistan. In 1960s West Germany started heavy industrial programs to aid Pakistan in its industrialization growth. In the 1990s, Germany and Pakistan sought a business alliance, known as the Pakistan German Business Forum. It was formed in 1997 with the humble initiatives of the German ambassador to Pakistan. Commercial trade between Islamabad and Berlin has also been very essential in recent years, as Germany is Pakistan's fourth largest trade partner, we should realize that relying only on some of the chosen ones as before should not be the only workable solution.

International relations are turning into a market for competitive projects so we need to improve ties with the European states too. Germany can facilitate Pakistan to get maximum benefits from GSP. Germany has earned respectable name in alternative energy solutions in the world while Pakistan is in dire need for energy therefore transfer of technology and joint ventures in this regard could be a great favour to Pakistan’s economy. Germany is one of the important trade partners of Pakistan and several German and EU based companies are interested to invest in Pakistan in different trade fields. Pakistan’s exports to EU will increase $1bn annually with GSP-plus scheme.

Pakistan was one of the first Asian countries to establish relations with Germany. It is in a unique geostrategic place both time and history. Appropriate economic policies will attract multinational corporations not only for foreign direct investment but more importantly to be the Asian headquarters. Islamabad with its cosmopolitan nature and proximity to Central Asian Republics can be a strong alternative to Singapore. Gawadar is a strategic port for not only western China but also for landlocked Central Asia. Due to Gwadar’s proximity to Middle East and Central Asian markets, it would generate a manufacturing industry but manpower availability maybe a weak point. European Union particularly France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, is a market that Pakistan needs to explore and have good relations with.