Key Points
- Canada’s new High Commissioner meets Finance Minister Aurangzeb in Islamabad
- Pakistan highlights improved macroeconomic indicators and reform progress
- Canada expresses interest in energy, minerals, and climate partnerships
- Both sides agree on early conclusion of bilateral investment treaty
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Canada’s new High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tarik Ali Khan, held at the Finance Division.
During the discussion, Aurangzeb briefed the envoy on Pakistan’s economic recovery and reform agenda, noting that after a challenging phase three years ago, the country’s macroeconomic indicators have stabilised, inflation has been contained, and fiscal discipline restored. According to the Minister, the government remained focused on structural reforms, privatisation of state-owned enterprises, and private sector-led growth as part of its strategy for sustainable economic revival.
The finance minister also underlined the government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and minerals, citing Canadian participation in projects such as Reko Diq as an example of growing economic engagement. He called for greater Canadian investment in renewable energy, mining, and technology, and stressed the need to enhance formal remittance channels from the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
Tarik Ali Khan praised Pakistan’s progress under the IMF-supported stabilisation programme and said trade diversification remained a key Canadian priority. He expressed Canada’s intent to expand collaboration in trade, investment, and development, particularly in energy, LNG, and critical minerals, where both countries share complementary strengths.
The envoy noted that Canadian companies are already engaged in renewable energy projects in Karachi and reaffirmed Canada’s support for Pakistan’s green transition and climate resilience through continued participation in multilateral climate funds. He also emphasised potential cooperation in agriculture and business-to-business linkages, including the proposed Canada–Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.
Both sides discussed progress on the bilateral investment treaty, agreeing that its early conclusion would enhance investor confidence and economic engagement.
Aurangzeb also outlined Pakistan’s priorities in population management, poverty reduction, and climate adaptation, reiterating the government’s long-term focus on sustainable development.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their resolve to deepen bilateral economic and trade ties and to continue working closely to unlock the full potential of Pakistan–Canada relations.
