Pakistan, Canada discuss investment protection, trade expansion

October 16, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Canada discussed ways to expand bilateral investment, trade and sectoral cooperation, with a focus on agriculture, mining, technology and food security.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s economic stabilization efforts and stressed the need to advance the investment protection agreement to facilitate greater Canadian investment in the country.

Both sides explored opportunities in agriculture, agrotechnology, livestock and food security, underscoring the importance of private-sector participation in strengthening economic ties.

The meeting also covered the Barrick mining project, including its security review, financing arrangements and potential to support export growth and employment generation.

The finance minister identified further avenues for cooperation in IT services, artificial intelligence (AI) skills and virtual assets. He also highlighted the role of the Pakistani diaspora in strengthening bilateral economic relations, particularly through remittances from Canada.

The two sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s mediation efforts and the impact of regional conflict on energy markets, fertilizer supplies and global food security.

Muhammad Aurangzeb thanked Canada for its assistance following floods in Pakistan, identified tourism as another potential area of bilateral cooperation and invited Sarai to visit Pakistan.

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