WNAM REPORT: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, H.E. Tarik Ali Khan, discussed accelerating negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, mining, clean energy, aviation and value-added industries.
The Canadian High Commissioner called on the Commerce Minister at the Ministry of Commerce. Senior ministry officials, including Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, also attended the meeting.
Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in Pakistan–Canada relations and expressed their resolve to translate political goodwill into stronger commercial and investment partnerships.
They agreed that the upcoming round of FIPA negotiations, expected in the first week of October, would provide an important opportunity to address outstanding issues and make substantive progress towards concluding the agreement.
The Canadian High Commissioner described FIPA as a foundational step for increasing Canadian investment in Pakistan.
He said the agreement would provide investors with greater confidence through legal protection, arbitration and dispute-resolution mechanisms, while paving the way for more joint ventures and, eventually, broader trade arrangements.
He noted that Canadian companies increasingly recognised the scale and potential of Pakistan’s large consumer market, but a predictable and secure investment framework was essential to encourage greater participation.
He added that the agreement would also send a positive signal to more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin who could play an important role in investment and business linkages.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan assured the High Commissioner of Pakistan’s full support for advancing the negotiations and said the government was committed to addressing legitimate concerns of investors.
He directed the relevant officials to hold preparatory consultations ahead of the next negotiating round to narrow differences and identify practical solutions.
“We are as ambitious as Canada in taking this process forward. Our objective is to resolve outstanding matters and establish a strong, mutually beneficial framework for long-term economic cooperation,” the Minister said.
The meeting also reviewed opportunities in clean and renewable energy.
The Canadian side highlighted progress on a proposed hybrid renewable-energy project in Jhimpir and shared details of Canadian companies offering solar and green-energy solutions for Pakistani industries.
In mining, the Canadian High Commissioner said a strong delegation of companies working in exploration, mining services, equipment and supply chains was expected to participate in an upcoming minerals investment forum in Pakistan.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the interest and highlighted mining as one of the government’s priority sectors. Agriculture and food security featured prominently in the discussions.
Both sides explored opportunities in dairy development, animal genetics, edible oils, fruit concentrates, food processing and value addition. The Minister stressed the need to move beyond commodity trade by establishing joint ventures capable of processing Pakistani agricultural products and exporting them to markets in the Middle East and other regions.
The Canadian side highlighted Pakistan’s growing imports of Canadian canola seed and noted that local crushing generated value for Pakistan through the production of edible oil and protein-rich animal feed.
Both sides agreed that further cooperation in canola processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing could benefit farmers, industry and consumers.
Opportunities in aviation and aerospace were also discussed, including aircraft leasing, regional connectivity and cooperation with Canadian aviation companies. The importance of PIA’s direct Toronto service—the only direct air connection between Pakistan and North America—was acknowledged, with both sides noting the considerable potential created by the large Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan’s strategic location, expanding market and connectivity with China, Central Asia and the Middle East offered significant opportunities to Canadian companies.
He underlined the importance of matchmaking among Pakistani businesses, Canadian investors and buyers in third-country markets to develop commercially viable partnerships.
The Canadian High Commissioner reaffirmed Canada’s interest in diversifying its international trade and strengthening engagement with Asian markets. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, facilitate business delegations and pursue tangible outcomes from the forthcoming investment negotiations.
