ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, energy and development partnerships during high-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Islamabad.
Anita Anand, who is on her first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office, held delegation-level talks with Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office on Monday. Following the meeting, both leaders expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation would open new avenues for economic growth and regional stability.
Addressing a joint press briefing, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand described Pakistan as “an important partner for Canada in South Asia and beyond.”
She announced that both countries have agreed to work towards finalising a modern Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) to facilitate greater investment and strengthen economic relations.
Anand said Canada views Pakistan as an important part of its global trade diversification strategy and believes both countries have significant opportunities to increase bilateral commerce.
Pakistan Invites Canadian Investment
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Canadian investors and encouraged companies to explore Pakistan’s growing investment opportunities.
He highlighted priority sectors including:
- Education
- Renewable energy
- Mining and critical minerals
- Agriculture
- Infrastructure
- Information technology
Dar said Pakistan and Canada share longstanding and multifaceted relations built on historical ties, a vibrant Pakistani community in Canada, and expanding economic cooperation.
Trade Opportunities Expand
The Canadian foreign minister highlighted growing agricultural trade between the two countries.
She noted that Pakistan imported over 470,000 tonnes of Canadian canola during the last crop year and welcomed greater exports of Pakistani products such as:
- Rice
- Textiles
- Sporting goods
to Canadian markets.
Anand also announced progress on major investment projects.
Canadian company JCM Power, in partnership with K-Electric, is expected to begin work on the 240-megawatt Dhabeji hybrid wind and solar power project, aimed at supporting Pakistan’s clean energy transition.
She also pointed to future cooperation in the mining sector, highlighting Barrick Gold’s continued investment in the Reko Diq mining project as an example of Canada’s long-term commitment to Pakistan.
Canada Announces Security and Development Assistance
Canada unveiled more than C$2.2 million in new funding for three security cooperation initiatives that will be implemented through Interpol, the United Nations, and other international partners.
Additionally, Anand announced C$45 million in development assistance for Pakistan to support:
- Climate change adaptation
- Disaster resilience
- Girls’ education
- Reproductive health services
- Family planning
- Recovery efforts in flood-affected communities
The initiatives aim to strengthen vulnerable communities and improve access to essential public services across Pakistan.
During the meeting, Anand also acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and promote a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The visit marks another step forward in Pakistan-Canada relations, with both governments expressing optimism that stronger economic, security and development partnerships will further deepen bilateral ties in the years ahead.
