KARACHI (PPI) - Germany has become Pakistans biggest trading partner within the European Union EU. We are your 9th largest trading partner, even ahead of United Kingdom, German Consul General in Karachi, Dr Christian Brecht said Thursday at meeting of Rotary Club. Unfortunately, since 2007, there has been no growth in bilateral trade which is around $2 billion mainly due to political instability in Pakistan, worsening law and order situation and worldwide economic crisis, he said. Pakistan and Germany have tradition of friendly relations based on cooperation and mutual respect, he said adding both countries also share common challenges. Pak-German trade, business ties are very solid, based on close company-to-company contacts and personal relations. Dr Brecht said there is lot of potential which can be further developed. But conditions and climate for more German investment in Pakistan and for more trade between two countries must be positive and appropriate. For the moment, prospects are mixed as overall security situation in Pakistan looks for many German business people not very inviting. However, we have some good news. Cash & carry chain METRO opened in February 2009 new premises in Faisalabad & Karachi, Thyssen Krupp discussed possibility to establish a fertiliser and a cement plant. A German delegation visited for renewable energy projects. As a result, two MoUs for a solar energy plant and MoU for a wind energy project in Garo-Keti-wind corridor were inked. In September another German business delegation will visit Karachi, he added. He said generations of Pakistani students and PhD candidates obtained degree from a German university or joined German research teams. At present, around 1,300 Pakistani students pursue graduate studies, research projects at German varsities, many funded by German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, Alexander von Humboldt foundation or with HEC help, while many meet their expenses since German tuition fees are still rather low.