Pakistan, Canada eye collaboration in mineral, LNG sectors

October 24, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Canada have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in key sectors, including minerals, LNG, and renewable energy.

This interest was highlighted during a meeting between the newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Tarik Ali Khan, and Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner highlighted Canada’s active engagement in infrastructure and energy expansion, particularly LNG and critical minerals, and noted potential avenues for collaboration with Pakistan in these areas.

He also mentioned ongoing renewable energy partnerships in Karachi and reaffirmed Canada’s interest in supporting Pakistan’s green transition and climate resilience initiatives.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb welcomed the High Commissioner and shared an overview of Pakistan’s improving economic landscape, noting that inflation has been brought under control and fiscal discipline restored following a challenging period.

He emphasized that structural reforms, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and private sector-led growth remain central to the government’s strategy for sustainable recovery.

The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s focus on attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and minerals, noting that Canadian participation in projects like the Reko Diq mine demonstrates the growing potential for deeper economic ties between the two nations.

Both sides discussed the need to strengthen bilateral trade, which remains below its potential, and agreed that the early conclusion of the ongoing bilateral investment treaty would enhance investor confidence.

The Finance Minister also invited greater Canadian investment in Pakistan’s renewable energy, mining, and technology sectors while emphasizing the importance of enhancing formal remittance channels from the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.

High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan conveyed greetings from the Government of Canada, commending Pakistan’s economic progress under the IMF programme and expressing Canada’s desire to strengthen trade, investment, and development cooperation.

He further underscored the potential for boosting agricultural trade and business-to-business linkages, including through the proposed Canada–Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their resolve to deepen economic engagement and unlock the full potential of Pakistan–Canada relations.

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