Pakistan, Canada agree to expand trade ties, diversify cooperation beyond traditional sectors

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Sunday held a telephonic conversation with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu to review and advance bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

According to an official statement, both ministers welcomed the recent momentum in Pakistan–Canada economic relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding partnerships for mutual economic benefit.

The Canadian side appreciated Pakistan’s decision to facilitate the resumption of Canadian canola shipments, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening agricultural trade flows between the two countries.

Both sides emphasized the importance of diversifying trade and discussed expanding cooperation beyond traditional sectors. Pakistan outlined its export strengths in textiles and apparel, leather goods, agro-based products, surgical instruments, sports goods, paper, plastics and footwear, while also highlighting growing capabilities in value-added food processing.

Jam Kamal Khan briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s emerging focus on the minerals and mining sector as a priority area for investment and industrial development, inviting Canadian companies to explore opportunities in the sector.

The ministers agreed to continue engagement at technical and policy levels to identify priority areas for collaboration, facilitate market access and promote business-to-business linkages.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Tariq Ali Khan and senior officials from both sides also participated in the call.