ISLAMABAD: A joint working group meeting between Pakistan and Canada would be held in Islamabad in March to remove obstacles in bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
Also, the meeting will deliberate upon partnerships in economic, trade, agriculture and investment sectors, reported an English daily.
This decision came upon during a meeting of Commerce Minister Pervez Malik with Canadian International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen on Monday.
Mr. Malik apprised the Canadian delegation under World Trade Organization framework, the country wanted a level playing field for its exports to the Canadian market.
Commerce Minister called for removal of obstacles in way of improving bilateral trade volume between the two countries. He added problems travel advisory for Canadian business community to come to Pakistan and visa restrictions on Pakistani counterparts was inhibiting bilateral trade too.
Also, Mr. Malik said the country had created an atmosphere of macroeconomic stability and sustained economic growth and was giving enticing trade and investment chances to Canadian investors and wants these efforts to be reciprocated by Canada and seeks greater market for its products.
He stated the country’s investment policy was the most liberal one on offer in the region which provides a favourable environment for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Mr. Malik pointed out the major increase in FDIs in energy and infrastructure projects under CPEC and rise in international investment in telecom, manufacturing, tourism and automobile sectors of Pakistan.
And the Commerce Minister highlighted the country meets priority of Canada’s foreign trade in sector of consumer products, ICT goods, infrastructure, industrial machinery, mining, oil and gas, clean technologies, agriculture and education sectors.
Canadian International Trade Minister offered his thanks to the commerce minister for accepting the invitation to hold trade dialogue in Ottawa and said his country would like to increase trade volume between the two countries.
He added all practical steps would be taken to improve cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Also, he shared Canada sought to improve relations with emerging economies and partners in Asia and Pakistan offer an opportunity for Canadian investors to avail benefits from rising demand of consumers goods and services.
The delegation was apprised by Mr. Hussen regarding steps being taken to ease visa processing for Pakistani businessman, students and tourists.
