ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada on Monday agreed to work towards a new Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) to boost bilateral trade and investment, as the two countries sought to strengthen economic ties.
The understanding was reached during delegation-level talks held at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, where Pakistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while the Canadian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Anita Anand, a Foreign Office statement said on Monday.
Speaking at a joint press stakeout after the talks, Anita Anand said the proposed modern investment framework, which both sides aim to finalise at the earliest opportunity, will provide greater certainty and confidence for businesses in both countries, encouraging increased investment and economic growth.
Dar welcomes Canadian investment in Pakistan
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Canadian investment in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including education, energy, mining and critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, and information technology. He invited Canadian companies to explore the growing investment opportunities available in Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP, today in Islamabad.
The two sides reviewed recent developments in Pakistan–Canada bilateral relations and exchanged views… pic.twitter.com/ioP5UYhgZY
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
Dar said the discussions also covered cooperation in education, labour mobility, consular affairs, science and technology, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that Pakistan and Canada share longstanding and multifaceted relations built on historical ties, strong community links, and a vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
He said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and agreed to build on the momentum created by the Canadian Foreign Minister’s visit through enhanced institutional cooperation, regular bilateral consultations, and closer coordination between relevant ministries and stakeholders.
Economic cooperation a central pillar of bilateral ties
Highlighting economic cooperation as a central pillar of bilateral relations, Dar said both sides explored ways to expand trade and investment by facilitating stronger business-to-business linkages and increasing commercial engagement.
Anita Anand said Canada sees significant opportunities to expand agricultural trade with Pakistan. She noted that Pakistan imported more than 470,000 tonnes of Canadian canola during the last crop year and expressed Canada’s interest in increasing imports of Pakistani products, including rice, textiles, and sporting goods.
Also Read: Pakistan and Canada to Deepen Political, Economic and People to People Collaboration
She added that Canada is keen to deepen cooperation in sectors that will drive future economic growth. Referring to renewable energy, Anand said Canadian company JCM Power, in partnership with K-Electric, is expected to begin development of the 240-megawatt Dhabeji hybrid wind and solar project. She also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in mining and critical minerals, particularly through Barrick Gold’s investment in the Reko Diq project.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP, today in Islamabad.
The two sides reviewed recent developments in Pakistan–Canada bilateral relations and exchanged views… pic.twitter.com/0nb5L4UBXZ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
Canada announces over $2.2 million in funding for security initiatives
Describing Pakistan as an important partner for Canada in South Asia and beyond, Anand announced more than 2.2 million Canadian dollars in funding for three new security initiatives. Implemented through Interpol, the United Nations, and other partner organizations, these initiatives will strengthen cooperation in border management, counterterrorism, combating financial crime, and training law enforcement personnel.
The Canadian Foreign Minister also announced three new development assistance initiatives worth 45 million Canadian dollars. She said the funding will help Pakistani communities adapt to climate change, strengthen resilience, expand access to education—particularly for girls—and improve reproductive health and family planning services. The initiatives will also support communities recovering from the devastating floods that have affected Pakistan in recent years.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 welcomed Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Anita Anand @AnitaAnandMP, upon her arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today.
The two leaders are holding talks on the full… pic.twitter.com/JI4LrfwEdU
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 20, 2026
Pakistan an important component of Canada’s trade strategy
Anand described Pakistan as an important component of Canada’s trade diversification strategy and said both countries have meaningful opportunities to further strengthen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of their people.
She also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to support dialogue aimed at achieving a sustainable and peaceful resolution of regional tensions in the Middle East.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the visit represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations, signalling a renewed momentum in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The Foreign Office noted that Anand’s visit comes at a time when Pakistan and Canada are seeking to enhance engagement on issues of common interest, including trade, investment, regional stability and international cooperation.
As the first Canadian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly 20 years, Anand’s trip is widely viewed as an important step towards reinvigorating bilateral ties and opening a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
