Pakistan, Canada vow to boost trade and agriculture cooperation
Islamabad [Pakistan]: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.
According to the ministry, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, mines and minerals, and cooperation under the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA).
The statement added that Minister Anand thanked Dar for facilitating market access for Canadian canola exports to Pakistan.
“Both leaders appreciated recent constructive engagements, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation, and agreed to remain in close contact,” the post stated.
The call comes as Pakistan and Canada continue efforts to expand collaboration in trade and agriculture — key pillars of their bilateral relations.
Earlier, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met with Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan to explore enhanced agricultural cooperation and trade facilitation in agri-products, according to ARY News.
During the meeting, both sides reiterated their resolve to build a stronger partnership in agriculture, food safety, and technology transfer — areas closely aligned with the priorities discussed between Dar and Anand.
Minister Hussain noted that Pakistan and Canada enjoy long-standing ties based on mutual respect and development cooperation. He emphasised that agriculture remains a vital area for partnership as Pakistan seeks to modernise its agricultural systems and Canada looks to expand its export footprint in Asia.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vast food market and potential for agri-industrial growth, Hussain said the country’s population of over 250 million offers significant opportunities for Canadian exports and joint ventures in agricultural technology, processing, and value addition.
He further noted Pakistan’s efforts to diversify edible oil imports — currently valued at over USD 4 billion annually — by reducing reliance on palm oil and shifting toward healthier, more sustainable options such as canola and soybean oils.
The minister added that Pakistan is promoting domestic canola cultivation to boost farmer incomes, substitute imports, and expand local processing industries. He said canola farming has become increasingly profitable for growers, with government support for technology transfer and market access.
These high-level engagements underscore Pakistan and Canada’s shared commitment to deepening agricultural collaboration, expanding trade ties, and promoting sustainable economic growth between the two countries.
