PM Shehbaz, Canadian foreign minister agree to expand trade, investment cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Monday agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy and other key sectors as the two sides also signed a protocol to facilitate the import of Canadian canola into Pakistan.

Anand, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on the prime minister at the Prime Minister’s House, where the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqeer Shah and other senior government officials.

Welcoming the Canadian foreign minister, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan and Canada enjoy friendly relations that should be expanded further, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, agri-foods, vaccine manufacturing, renewable energy, and the automobile and auto parts industry.

The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and said he looked forward to meeting him in the near future.

Recalling his telephone conversation with Carney in April, Shehbaz thanked Canada for supporting Pakistan’s efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

Anand thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome extended to her and the Canadian delegation during their visit to Islamabad.

She conveyed a message of goodwill from Prime Minister Carney and said her visit reflected the Canadian government's commitment to expanding relations with Pakistan under the direction of the Canadian prime minister.

The Canadian foreign minister said Ottawa was keen to explore new opportunities for trade and investment in agriculture, minerals, energy, and the automobile and auto parts sectors.

She also highlighted the importance of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA), saying it would help strengthen investor confidence and encourage greater Canadian investment in Pakistan.

During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Canada, describing it as a strong bridge between the two countries and an important factor in strengthening bilateral ties.

The two leaders also agreed to exchange trade and minerals delegations to identify new opportunities for cooperation and promote bilateral trade and investment.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz witnessed the signing of a protocol on phytosanitary regulations governing the import of canola from Canada to Pakistan.

The protocol was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on behalf of Pakistan and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on behalf of Canada.

The agreement is expected to facilitate agricultural trade between the two countries by establishing phytosanitary requirements for Canadian canola exports to Pakistan while supporting broader efforts to enhance economic cooperation.

Anand's visit marks an important step in efforts by Islamabad and Ottawa to broaden bilateral engagement beyond traditional areas of cooperation, with both governments expressing interest in strengthening commercial, agricultural and investment partnerships.