Pakistan seeks greater Canadian investment in mining, agriculture, renewables

September 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Canada discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, with the two sides agreeing to continued engagement to support a more predictable and facilitative environment for investors, particularly in trade and investment.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, who called on him to discuss bilateral economic relations and avenues for cooperation, said a press release issued.

The finance minister briefed the High Commissioner on the government's recent measures to provide relief to citizens, highlighting the Prime Minister's three-month fuel relief programme, carrying an allocation of around Rs75bn, aimed at providing targeted relief to eligible consumers.

The Minister also apprised the High Commissioner of Pakistan's recent economic progress and the government's continued focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability, strengthening external buffers and advancing structural reforms, noting that the recent improvement in Pakistan's sovereign credit profile reflected the progress made on economic stabilization and reform.

The High Commissioner pointed to the considerable scope for expanding the presence of Canadian companies in Pakistan, given their relatively limited existing footprint, identifying mining, agriculture and renewable energy among the sectors offering potential for investment and joint ventures.

He also stressed the importance of further strengthening investment-related arrangements between the two countries.

The finance minister, in turn, emphasized the need for diversifying trade and expanding market access, including greater cooperation in agriculture and agricultural commodities.

The two sides also took up matters relating to the export processing zone regime and the operations of a Canadian-linked recycled clothing business, with the finance minister noting the employment and environmental benefits associated with such operations and assuring that the matter would be raised with the relevant authorities.

He further highlighted the government's privatization agenda, including opportunities in the aviation sector, and reiterated Pakistan's interest in attracting credible, long-term international investors and expanding commercial partnerships with Canadian businesses.

Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, for his part, appreciated the government's efforts to strengthen economic stability and reaffirmed Canada's continued interest in expanding trade, investment and business engagement with Pakistan, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue and greater collaboration between the business communities of the two countries.

Copyright Mettis Link News