ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada agreed on Monday to accelerate negotiations on a bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and revive the Pakistan-Canada Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment, as the two countries pledged to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, security and clean energy.
According to a joint statement issued after talks between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic, academic and institutional linkages.
The Canadian Foreign Minister was in Islamabad on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Dar. This was Foreign Minister Anand’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming office.
Deputy PM Dar received Foreign Minister Anand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a one-on-one meeting and detailed talks that covered the broad contours of Pakistan-Canada bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest.
Noting the renewed momentum in bilateral engagement, both sides expressed shared resolve to strengthen Pakistan-Canada bilateral relations through increased trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Joint Press Stakeout:Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister H.E. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and Foreign Minister of Canada H.E. Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP pic.twitter.com/6wdCUOkWeY
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
Pakistan, Canada urge adherence to Islamabad MoU
The Deputy Prime Minister also provided an update on Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding the ongoing conflict in the region, according to the joint statement.
The Canadian Foreign Minister thanked Pakistan for its mediation role that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.
Both sides underscored the need for a sustainable ceasefire and for upholding the commitments under the Islamabad MoU.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to continue their cooperation to help address global challenges and promote peace and prosperity.
Pakistan-Canada cooperation in various fields
Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Anand noted the successful holding of the 6th round of Bilateral Consultations in February 2026 and reaffirmed the importance of the platform for advancing shared priorities and exploring new avenues for strategic collaboration.
They underscored the importance of expanding cooperation through stronger economic, academic, and institutional linkages.
🔊PR No.1️⃣7️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Pakistan-Canada Joint Statement: Strengthening Bilateral and Trade Relations https://t.co/NPEMnfoJmi
⬇️🔗 pic.twitter.com/CIt7NcnFoa
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
People-to-people ties and cultural exchanges
Recognising the contributions of over 300,000 strong Pakistani diaspora and over 9,000 Pakistani students in Canada, the two ministers re-affirmed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges and tourism and further improving mobility between Pakistan and Canada.
They also acknowledged the value of parliamentary exchanges and agreed to encourage cooperation between their respective legislatures.
Pakistan-Canada Investment Protection Agreement
Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Anand emphasised the importance of trade and investment as a key driver for mutual prosperity and economic resilience.
They welcomed progress toward a Pakistan-Canada Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA) and emphasised the importance of regular engagement with the aim to conclude negotiations at the earliest.
Both sides also agreed to revive the Pakistan-Canada Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment.
Canadian investment in Pakistan
The two Ministers took note of Canadian investment in Pakistan and discussed the importance of diversifying business-to-business opportunities in priority sectors including clean energy, mining and critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, emerging technologies, and environmental protection and sustainability.
They also welcomed more business delegations to unlock the full potential of the economic relationship.
Investment in renewable energy sector
Recognising the strategic importance of energy security and diversifying energy supply, the two Ministers agreed to encourage increased investments in the renewable energy sector, including solar, wind, and battery storage technologies.
Deputy PM Dar and Foreign Minister Anand noted that Canadian company JCM Power’s successful bid for 240 MW Dhabeji Hybrid Wind-Solar Project, in partnership with K-Electric, has now received necessary regulatory approvals.
This major investment will contribute to Pakistan’s renewable energy supply, according to the joint statement.
Two-way trade in agriculture
The Pakistani and Canadian ministers agreed on the importance of food safety and food supply with predictable market access.
They welcomed the ongoing cooperation in this regard and encouraged increased two-way trade in agriculture including canola and oilseeds, lentils, soybeans, cereals, rice, spices and fruit, and an increased focus on agri-food value chains, agri-tech solutions, food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary standards and regulations.
In this spirit, Ministers signed a new protocol establishing predictable phytosanitary import conditions for Canadian canola.
Pakistan’s National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority and Environment Protection Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will also explore opportunities for technical cooperation and capacity building.
Pakistan’s significant mineral potential
Deputy PM Dar and Foreign Minister Anand underscored the strategic importance of critical minerals for global supply chains.
Recognising Pakistan’s significant mineral potential and Canada’s expertise in responsible mining, both sides agreed to promote bilateral trade and investment across the mining value chain, including exploration and services, and recognised the value of engagement in mining industry events.
The Canadian Foreign Minister extended an invitation to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Dar to attend the 2027 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference.
Pakistan-Canada cooperation in multilateral fora
Deputy PM Dar and Foreign Minister Anand expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation between Pakistan and Canada in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and agreed to continue advancing their cooperation.
The two Ministers discussed regional peace and security challenges, including their impacts on civilians and the economy. They also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Counterterrorism collaboration
Deputy PM Dar and Foreign Minister Anand agreed to further strengthen security sector collaboration between Pakistan and Canada in the areas of counterterrorism and combating transnational organised crime.
Foreign Minister Anand announced that Canada will continue to support Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts via different projects through the UN, INTERPOL and other organisations.
Challenges of climate change
Recognising the international challenges of climate change and poverty, Foreign Minister Anand announced development assistance projects in the areas of education, climate resilience, and health.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Anand agreed that the Pakistan-Canada relationship has entered a new era of opportunity, in which broad sectors of both countries are called upon to deepen cooperation and advance mutual interests.
The two Ministers look forward to increased bilateral engagement. Both sides underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges and agreed to review progress annually.
