H.E Jacob Linulf @ English Speaking Union Islamabad
Report : Tazeen Akhtar
Ambassador of Denmark , Jacob Linulf has said that Pakistan is a promising country with a lot of natural resources and raw materials. Balochistan, with respect to mineral sources including Copper and Gold, is the future of Pakistan provided the country exploits its resources smartly. The geographical location makes Pakistan darling of many countries. Pakistan can make everything but unfortunately ,is dependent on imports.
He said this in his keynote address to the members of English Speaking Union ESU of Pakistan in Islamabad on the other day. President ESU Mr. Khalid Malik hosted the Ambassador as guest speaker on bilateral relations at his residence. The office bearers of ESU Brigadier R Sajjad, Abid Ali and former speaker National Assembly Wazir Ali Jogezai were also present. Ambassador Morocco Mohamed Karmoun also graced the event with his presence.
Ambassador spoke highly about the rich mineral resources, raw materials, hospitality, food of Pakistan. He mentioned the importance of geographical location of Pakistan as one of the main attractions for the world. He said, Pakistan is near to China , Russia and India.
Pakistan Welcomes $2 Billion Investment by Maersk of Denmark in Maritime Sector
Pakistan and China have FTA that can be exploited to engage more countries into the trade.
On the expansion of GSP Plus for Pakistan, the Ambassador as representative of one of EU member states, said, Pakistan is supposed to fulfill all 27 conventions to sustain the status.
Here notable is that ,Pakistan is looking forward to extension in 2027 but few conventions including death penalty have not been implemented for obvious reason of terrorism in the country. Pakistan expects exception on this point from EU.
On increase of trade with EU, the Ambassador said, some EU countries are pessimist on that topic but we are optimistic. FTA between Pakistan and China is an attraction for EU to reach China through Pakistan. It creates conducive environment for investments as well.
Ambassador Linulf said , of Denmark with the two largest Danish companies Maersk (Shipping Company) and Novo Nordisk (Medicine Company) are working in Pakistan that expresses our keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Pakistan Denmark Sign MoU for Investment and Restructuring in Pakistan’s Maritime Sector
Robert Maersk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the global shipping company A. P. Moller – Maersk, visited Pakistan recently and called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PM said the investment in Pakistan by A. P Moller Maersk will bring about a large-scale positive change in Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Here it is worth mentioning that both the companies jointly launched a “Sustainability Platform” in Pakistan.to enhance the capacity, engagement &awareness within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Pakistan.
In October 2024 Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs H.E Morten Bodskov from the Danish Government visited Islamabad. Pakistan and Denmark singed MoU for Investment and Restructuring in Pakistan’s Maritime Sector. Maersk will invest almost 2 billion dollars in Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Maersk is expected to work on deep sea port in Karachi and dry ports in Faisalabad and Sialkot.
H.E Linulf shared the work of Denmark in Agriculture and Livestock sectors. He briefed the participants on agri services especially in seed breeding of DSV of his country. He offered cooperation in fertilizer and bio fuel production as well.
Pakistan – Denmark Trade Increased in Textile – Next Focus Green Energy and Energy Conservation
Mr. Linulf touched the youth of Pakistan as well. He suggested , Pakistan should work on human development of the youth and keep them in the country to play their role in the construction of their own homeland.
He said , Pakistan needs to see that despite having huge quantity of raw materials, it is still an import oriented country. The raw material can be developed into products with value addition that can increase exports and earn foreign currency.
Denmark is champion of green energy. The Ambassador mentioned alternative energy , like wind instead of furnace oil , as major sector in which both countries can cooperate and Denmark can offer her expertise.
On visa regime, Ambassador noted , there is enormous desire of visas among Pakistanis but Denmark has her own rules and regulations to follow. He said, if you have a business partner in Denmark , the visa is easy. As far as, tourism and family reunion are concerned, the visa is hard.
Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s help in evacuation of dozens of Danish workers from Afghanistan after Taliban took control there in Aug 2021.
While recalling ups and downs in bilateral relations and presence in respective countries, Ambassador said, the Embassy was attacked in 2007 that compelled us to close it for a while. He also expressed his displeasure on the hateful material publication in a section of the press of Denmark.
Maersk dominates the world container shipping market by being in the top tier and is customer’s first choice. It is the group’s mission to digitise & decarbonise the world’s supply chains to enable sustainable trade for a growing world. Thus, Maersk is now accelerating its climate ambitions by ten years & committing to be net zero across its business & value chain by 2040 with 100% green solutions for its customers!
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company with more than 95 years of innovation & leadership in diabetes care. Apart from diabetes, Novo Nordisk deals in medication related to other diseases such as Haemophilia, growth disorders & obesity. In partnership with Pakistani Federal & Provincial Health Authorities, Novo Nordisk is driving change in diabetes through awareness & education, early diagnosis & better management of diabetes in Pakistan.
