Islamabad [Pakistan]: Canada and Pakistan have agreed to enhance trade and investment ties, with a focus on facilitating Canadian canola exports to Pakistan, according to a joint statement issued late Monday.
The understanding follows recent trade tensions between Canada and China, where Beijing imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola in August.
The move came after Canada introduced a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles last year, prompting Ottawa to seek new markets for its agricultural exports.
In a phone call on October 30, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed their countries’ long-standing relationship and agreed to expand collaboration in key sectors.
“Both sides recognised Pakistan’s growing demand for Canadian canola and agreed to facilitate its import, marking a positive step for agricultural trade,” the joint statement said. It also noted that the renewed trade engagement would benefit both economies.
The statement confirmed that the two nations have successfully concluded the first round of talks toward a *Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)*. Pakistan’s Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu led the negotiations, which aimed to create a transparent and investor-friendly environment.
Both countries also expressed interest in expanding cooperation on *energy security and critical minerals*, acknowledging the important role Canadian firms can play in supporting Pakistan’s clean energy and mineral development goals.
Looking ahead, the upcoming sixth round of bilateral consultations is expected to focus on advancing shared priorities, strengthening government and private sector partnerships, and exploring new opportunities for strategic collaboration.
“Pakistan and Canada remain dedicated to promoting peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth, both bilaterally and globally,” the statement concluded.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reiterated the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating the renewed partnership. She noted that Pakistan’s decision to lift restrictions on Canadian canola imports “reopens a valuable market for Canadian producers,” adding that import orders were already being processed.
Canadian MPs Rob Oliphant and Shafqat Ali also welcomed the agreement. Oliphant described it as part of Ottawa’s broader effort to diversify trade relationships, while Ali said the move signified “a strengthening of cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, especially in agricultural trade.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Office added that both sides had “appreciated recent constructive engagements” and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic cooperation that supports sustainable growth in both countries.
