Pakistan and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations, with a renewed focus on expanding cooperation across key sectors. The agreement came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of boosting trade, investment, and business-to-business engagement. Ishaq Dar invited the Canadian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan, a gesture that was warmly accepted.
This high-level interaction builds on recent efforts by both countries to foster deeper economic collaboration. In April 2025, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, met with Canadian officials in Islamabad. Discussions focused on enhancing market access for Pakistani goods, extending Canada’s General Preferential Tariff Plus (GPT+) scheme—which allows around 80% of Pakistani exports to enter Canada duty-free—and initiating negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty to protect and encourage cross-border investments.
Pakistan’s textile exports and Canada’s canola imports were highlighted as key areas of mutual benefit. In addition, Pakistan invited Canadian companies to explore opportunities in sectors such as mining, information technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
On May 7, 2025, Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, met with Canada’s Trade Counselor to explore collaboration in clean energy, mineral exploration, and geological surveys. The meeting emphasized Canada’s expertise in green technologies and the importance of sustainable energy solutions for Pakistan.
Canadian investments in Pakistan remain significant, placing Canada among the top five foreign investors. Pakistani High Commissioner to Canada Muhammad Saleem recently underscored the strong potential for bilateral growth, particularly through the engagement of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
The two countries aim to maintain regular diplomatic engagement, enhance institutional linkages, and create a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector partnerships. With trade currently valued at over USD 1 billion, both nations see ample room for growth and diversification.
The reaffirmation of ties between Pakistan and Canada signals a shared commitment to building a prosperous, mutually beneficial economic partnership based on trust, investment, and long-term collaboration.
