Pakistan, Canada explore deeper trade and investment ties across mining, agriculture and energy

Pakistan and Canada have agreed to broaden economic engagement across multiple sectors during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan at the Ministry of Commerce. Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan also attended the discussions.

The talks reviewed the changing global economic environment, with both sides noting the impact of shifting supply chains and geopolitical realignments on trade flows. Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan was actively seeking to diversify its international partnerships and attract high-quality foreign investment, particularly in sectors that add value and support export growth.

Mining and minerals cooperation featured prominently in the meeting. The commerce minister pointed to Pakistan’s interest in developing small and medium-scale mining projects and underlined the need for advanced exploration methods, modern surveying capabilities and strong governance standards in the sector. In response, the high commissioner highlighted Canada’s international standing in mining services and exploration technologies, offering support through technical assistance, capacity building and business-to-business linkages.

Both sides also discussed Pakistan’s participation in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto. The focus, they said, would be on connecting Pakistani mining firms with established Canadian exploration companies and service providers.

Agriculture was another key area of discussion, particularly the recent resumption of Canadian canola exports to Pakistan. The two sides acknowledged the successful arrival of initial consignments and agreed to cooperate closely to resolve regulatory and procedural hurdles to ensure smooth and timely imports. Jam Kamal noted that canola plays an important role in Pakistan’s edible oil industry and livestock feed supply, and welcomed expanded collaboration in agriculture, agribusiness and food security.

The meeting also explored opportunities in dairy and livestock development, including cooperation in animal genetics, modern dairy farming practices and disease control systems to improve productivity and quality standards.

In the energy sector, the Canadian envoy raised concerns related to ongoing and prospective Canadian investments in renewable energy projects, stressing the need for regulatory certainty and prompt approvals. The two sides further reviewed progress on negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty and agreed that maintaining momentum was essential to encourage increased Canadian investment in Pakistan.