Pakistan and Germany Strengthen Bilateral Ties with €45 Million Technical Cooperation Agreement
In a significant step to deepen their longstanding partnership, Pakistan and Germany recently signed a €45 Million Technical Cooperation Agreement, targeting key development areas for a sustainable development. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary for Economic Affairs in Pakistan, and Mr. Alfred Grannas, German Ambassador to Pakistan, presided over the signing ceremony that took place on February 6. This new agreement signifies the enduring Pak-German partnership and aims to support new bilateral cooperation projects.
Targeting Sustainable Development Areas
The newly commissioned projects are aligned with German development cooperation's (BMZ) thematic areas, including Climate and Energy, Sustainable Economic Development, Training and Employment, and Health, Social Protection, and Population Policy. Embracing a holistic approach, these initiatives aim to foster synergies to effectively address pressing global challenges such as climate change and the inclusion of vulnerable groups like women and youth.
Significance of German Support for Pakistan's Development
Both parties highlighted the substantial progress made over the past six decades, emphasizing the tangible impact of German development cooperation across key sectors of Pakistan's socio-economic development. Ambassador Alfred Grannas reiterated the commitment to a sustainable future in Pakistan, echoing sentiments shared by German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, on the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges collaboratively.
Ambassador Grannas stated, “The German-Pakistani development cooperation has left its footprints in the country. With the agreement we signed today, we aim to continue our joint path towards a sustainable future in Pakistan.”
Moreover, Ministry of Economic Affairs Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz expressed gratitude, stating, "We deeply appreciate the strong support we have received in technical development cooperation. It will contribute to the socio-economic development of the country."
Advancing Cooperation by working "Shana ba shana"
On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we are contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals via projects that are implemented in line with the Pakistan-German cooperation agreements. By working "Shana ba shana" (side by side) with our partners, we remain dedicated to supporting their socio-economic reform agenda, thereby fostering sustainable and resilient development in Pakistan.