Islamabad: Pakistan and Canada have agreed to enhance their trade and investment relations under a new Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection agreement. The commitment was made during delegation-level talks held at the foreign office in Islamabad, attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a joint press stakeout, Foreign Minister Anand emphasized the importance of the new investment framework, which is aimed at promoting business growth with greater predictability and confidence. Deputy Prime Minister Dar welcomed Canadian investment in sectors such as education, energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, and information technology, and invited Canadian companies to explore emerging opportunities in Pakistan.

The discussions also covered cooperation in education, labor mobility, science and technology, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement, agreeing to build upon the momentum from the Canadian Foreign Minister’s visit through enhanced institutional cooperation and regular bilateral consultations.

Additionally, the Canadian Foreign Minister highlighted opportunities for expanding agricultural trade, noting Pakistan’s import of Canadian Canola and welcoming more Pakistani products in Canada. She also mentioned potential collaborations in renewable energy and mining, citing projects like the Dhabeji hybrid wind and solar project and Barrick Gold’s investment in the Reko Diq project.

Anand announced Canada’s investment of over $2.2 million in security initiatives with Pakistan, focusing on border management, terrorism, financial crimes, and law enforcement training. Furthermore, Canada will invest $45 million in development assistance initiatives to help Pakistani communities adapt to climate change and improve access to education and health services.

The Canadian Foreign Minister acknowledged Pakistan’s role in regional dialogue for peaceful resolutions and reiterated the importance of Pakistan in Canada’s trade diversification strategy, underscoring the meaningful opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations.