Pakistan, Canada agree to boost trade, investment ties

July 21, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expressing a shared resolve to expand cooperation through increased trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

The understanding was reached during delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.

Anita Anand is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, marking her first official visit to the country since assuming office, according to media reports.

Welcoming the Canadian foreign minister, Ishaq Dar noted that it was the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in two decades.

Referring to their previous meeting on the sidelines of multilateral forums, he stressed the importance of more frequent engagements in each other's capitals.

He said Pakistan attached great importance to its long-standing relationship with Canada, adding that the presence of a large Pakistani diaspora had further strengthened bilateral ties.

He said the relationship was built on mutual respect, democratic values, vibrant people-to-people links, and constructive cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Highlighting the potential for deeper engagement, Ishaq Dar said both countries had the capacity to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and security.

He expressed hope that the discussions would build on the renewed momentum initiated last year and translate into concrete outcomes for advancing bilateral relations.

In her opening remarks, Anand said she had been looking forward to reinvigorating the bilateral relationship. She noted that this year marked approximately 80 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Canada.

She said there was significant scope to strengthen cooperation across various sectors of both economies, including agriculture, agri-food, manufacturing, and beyond.

Anita Anand added that she looked forward to reviewing the progress made so far and identifying new opportunities to deepen bilateral ties.

The Canadian foreign minister also highlighted that Canada is home to approximately 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani descent and said the community was enthusiastic about the growing cooperation between the two countries.

She further observed that, amid the evolving international order, both Pakistan and Canada had important work to undertake together.

According to a joint statement issued after the talks, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation to help address global challenges and promote peace and prosperity.

During the meeting, Ishaq Dar briefed the Canadian foreign minister on Pakistan's mediation efforts regarding the ongoing conflict in the region.

Anita Anand thanked Pakistan for its mediation role that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Both sides underscored the need for a sustainable ceasefire and for implementing the commitments under the Islamabad MoU.

The two sides welcomed the successful holding of the sixth round of Bilateral Consultations in February 2026 and reaffirmed the importance of the mechanism for advancing shared priorities and exploring new avenues for strategic collaboration.

They also stressed the need to expand cooperation through stronger economic, academic, and institutional linkages.

Recognizing the contributions of more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani descent and over 9,000 Pakistani students in Canada, both ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, tourism, and improving mobility between the two countries.

Both sides welcomed progress toward a Pakistan-Canada Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement and emphasized the importance of regular engagement with the aim of concluding negotiations at the earliest.

They also agreed to revive the Pakistan-Canada Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment.

The two ministers reviewed Canadian investment in Pakistan and discussed expanding business-to-business cooperation in priority sectors, including clean energy, mining and critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, emerging technologies, environmental protection, and sustainability.

Recognizing the strategic importance of energy security, they also agreed to encourage greater investment in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and battery storage technologies.

The ministers signed a new protocol establishing predictable phytosanitary import conditions for Canadian canola. Pakistan's National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority, the Environment Protection Agency, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will also explore opportunities for technical cooperation and capacity building.

Recognizing Pakistan's mineral potential and Canada's expertise in responsible mining, both sides agreed to promote bilateral trade and investment across the mining value chain, including exploration and related services.

Anita Anand also invited Ishaq Dar to attend the 2027 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between Pakistan and Canada at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and agreed to continue advancing collaboration. They also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing threat of terrorism.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and combating transnational organized crime.

Anita Anand announced that Canada would continue supporting Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts through projects implemented by the United Nations, INTERPOL, and other organizations.

Recognizing the global challenges posed by climate change and poverty, Anita Anand also announced development assistance projects focused on education, climate resilience, and health.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received the Canadian foreign minister upon her arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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