Pakistan, Canada move to boost trade, investment

January 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Canada have agreed to deepen cooperation to enhance bilateral trade and investment, with both sides committing to closer coordination to expand overall economic engagement.

The decision was reached during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, attended by Minister for Culture Aurangzeb Khichi and senior officials of the Board of Investment.

The talks reviewed the trajectory of bilateral trade, highlighting recent growth as encouraging.

Particular attention was given to canola trade, which has become a major component of merchandise flows between the two countries, reflecting Canada’s position as a leading exporter and Pakistan’s rising demand for edible oil, according to the press release.

The Canadian High Commissioner also highlighted ongoing Canadian investments in Pakistan, citing JCM Power as an example of active engagement in the energy sector.

Cooperation in energy, along with other priority areas, was identified as a key pillar of the bilateral economic relationship.

Discussions included potential investment opportunities across agriculture, minerals, manufacturing, digitalisation, and green energy.

Both sides emphasized the importance of resuming negotiations on the Pakistan-Canada Investment Agreement to strengthen the legal framework for bilateral investment, provide clearer protections, and promote investor confidence.

The meeting also addressed cultural cooperation, with an emphasis on expanding collaboration through cultural initiatives alongside economic engagement.

Both sides concluded the talks by expressing their intent to maintain close coordination to further trade, investment, and long-term economic cooperation between Pakistan and Canada.

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