Canada and Pakistan have agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to the South Asian nation, the countries said in a joint statement issued late Monday.
Canada has been looking to open new markets for the commodity after China announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports in August, a year after Canada said it would impose a 100 per cent tariff on imports of Chinese electric vehicles.
In a joint statement released late on Monday, the two countries said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had held a phone call with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on October 30, “reaffirming the strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and Canada and emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
“Pakistan and Canada agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognizing the significant potential of Pakistan’s expanding market for this Canadian product,” the statement said.
He added that the ministers also welcomed the successful conclusion of the first round of negotiations towards an Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Foreign Investment. He said that, led by Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, the agreement was an “important priority that reflects both countries’ dedication to fostering a stable and transparent investment environment.”
“Both sides also expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, recognizing the strong and growing role of Canadian companies in achieving Pakistan’s ambitious mining development goals and harnessing its clean energy potential,” the statement said.
He further said that the minister also looked forward to the upcoming sixth round of bilateral consultations, which would serve as a platform to “promote shared priorities, strengthen ties between governments and the private sector, and explore new avenues of strategic collaboration.”
“Pakistan and Canada remain committed to working together to promote peace, prosperity and inclusive growth, both bilaterally and on the global stage,” the statement concluded.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anand also posted the joint statement on social media platform X.
Meanwhile, Canadian MP Rob Oliphant said Ottawa was strengthening and diversifying its trade relationships.
“As we continue negotiations towards a Foreign Investment and Promotion Agreement with Pakistan, our governments have agreed to facilitate Canadian canola exports, a mutually beneficial agreement,” he said.
Canadian MP Shafqat Ali said the two countries were strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including renewed trade in Canadian canola.
“Good news for both of our countries,” he said.
Last week, Dar and his Canadian counterpart discussed strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation between the two countries. During the call, Anand thanked Dar for facilitating market access for Canadian canola imports to Pakistan.
“Both leaders appreciated the recent constructive engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mutually beneficial economic cooperation,” the foreign ministry said, adding that the two foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact.
Later, Anand said on
“This decision restores an important market for Canadian canola producers,” he said. “As Pakistan accelerates regulatory approvals for Canadian canola, I understand import orders have already been placed,” he said.
