ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Canada agreed to strengthen bilateral relations with deepening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and the automotive sector during high-level talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Islamabad on Monday.
Anita Anand, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, where discussions focused on expanding economic engagement and opening new avenues for commercial cooperation.
Welcoming the Canadian delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with Canada and believes the partnership can be taken to a new level through increased collaboration in key sectors. He identified trade, investment, agriculture and agri-food industries, vaccine manufacturing, renewable energy, and the automobile and auto parts industry as priority areas for future cooperation.
PM conveyed his best wishes to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and expressed his eagerness to meet him in the near future. Recalling their telephone conversation in April, he thanked Canada for supporting Pakistan’s efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand said her visit reflected Ottawa’s commitment to broadening ties with Islamabad. Conveying greetings from Prime Minister Mark Carney, she said the Canadian government is keen to explore new economic opportunities with Pakistan, particularly in agriculture, mining, energy, automobiles, and auto parts manufacturing.
She also underscored the significance of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA), saying the framework would help create a more secure investment environment and encourage greater Canadian investment in Pakistan. During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the important contribution of the Pakistani-Canadian community in strengthening people-to-people relations and serving as a bridge between the two countries.
The two governments also agreed to exchange trade and mineral-sector delegations to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and accelerate bilateral trade and investment.
PM Sharif also witnessed the signing of a protocol on phytosanitary regulations governing the import of Canadian canola into Pakistan. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, marking another step toward enhancing agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
Canadian FM Anita Anand arrives in Pakistan on first official visit
