🇨🇦🤝🇵🇰 Canada & Pakistan Boost Trade Ties

Pakistan and Canada have reached a landmark agreement to facilitate the import of Canadian canola, strengthening bilateral trade ties and marking a new phase of economic cooperation between the two countries.

The deal, announced through a joint statement issued late Monday, follows a phone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand on October 30. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and investment partnerships and highlighted the growing opportunities in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

“Pakistan and Canada agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognizing the strong potential of Pakistan’s expanding market,” the statement said.

🌾 Canada Eyes New Markets Amid Trade Shifts

Canada’s renewed focus on Pakistan comes after China imposed anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola earlier this year. As Ottawa seeks to diversify trade partners, Pakistan’s agricultural demand offers a promising new market for Canadian farmers and exporters.

The joint statement emphasized that both sides aim to deepen cooperation not only in agriculture but also in energy security, mineral development, and clean energy initiatives — areas where Canadian expertise could play a significant role in Pakistan’s progress.

💼 Foreign Investment Agreement in Progress

The two countries also celebrated the first successful round of talks on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). The negotiations, led by Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, aim to build a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that promotes mutual growth.

“This agreement reflects both nations’ dedication to fostering a fair and transparent investment climate,” the statement noted.

🔗 Expanding Bilateral Ties

Looking ahead, Pakistan and Canada are preparing for the sixth round of bilateral consultations, which will explore new avenues for collaboration, strengthen public-private partnerships, and reinforce their shared priorities.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand later posted the joint statement on X, praising the positive outcome of recent diplomatic efforts. She also revealed that Pakistan’s decision to lift import restrictions had already led to new canola orders from Canadian exporters.

Canadian MPs Rob Oliphant and Shafqat Ali welcomed the move, calling it “a beneficial deal for both sides” that reflects growing trust and trade momentum between the two nations.