GPCCI HOSTS FIRST-EVER BUSINESS NETWORKING RECEPTION IN SIALKOT

On 8th August 2026, the German-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) hosted its first-ever Business Networking Reception in Sialkot, bringing together government representatives, trade association leaders, exporters, and members of the business community.

A special thanks to our member, Mr. Ijaz A. Khokhar, CEO of Ashraf Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., Vice President of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), and Former Chairman of PRGMEA, who hosted this event for us.

 

The Guests of Honor, Professor Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, and Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Former Minister for Commerce, Energy & Defence, highlighted the important role Sialkot plays in Pakistan’s export landscape and its entrepreneurial legacy, particularly across sports goods, surgical instruments, and garments.

 

GPCCI President and MD of Siemens Energy Pakistan, Mr. Syed Nadeem Ali Kazmi, praised the strength of Sialkot’s industrial fraternity and its cohesive industrial body. Mr. Kazmi reiterated that Germany’s focus on quality and compliance is a guiding principle for German entities, including global companies and SMEs. He also spoke about GPCCI’s activities, including taking business delegations to Germany and supporting members with information and business opportunities between Pakistan and Germany. GPCCI Executive Committee Member and MD of DHL Global Forwarding, Mr. Jaffer Hussain, also congratulated the organizing team for the successful reception.

 

A key highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GPCCI and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) to strengthen trade and cooperation in the readymade garments sector between Pakistan and Germany.

 

The MoU was signed by Mr. Syed Nadeem Ali Kazmi, President GPCCI & Managing Director Siemens Energy Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., and Mr. Imran Salahuddin, Chairman (North Zone) PRGMEA & CEO Faaz International. The agreement aims to promote free and fair trade, facilitate the exchange of industry knowledge and insights, and develop lasting partnerships between Pakistani and German apparel companies. Through this collaboration, GPCCI and PRGMEA aim to create new opportunities for economic cooperation and mutual growth.

 

We were honoured to receive a special message from the Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, H.E. Ina Lepel. Her Excellency noted that August was a special time as it marked one year of her tenure in Pakistan. She praised the resilience demonstrated by Pakistan’s business sectors in the face of recent disruptions. Ms. Lepel also highlighted the continued importance of Pakistan’s GSP+ status for the German-Pakistan economic partnership, referencing the European Commission’s recent GSP+ monitoring report.

 

The evening provided a valuable opportunity to connect with Sialkot’s business representatives and pave the way for enhanced Pak-German trade, investment, and business collaboration. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to making GPCCI’s first Business Networking Reception in Sialkot a memorable and successful occasion. We look forward to building stronger and more meaningful Pak-German business ties.