Historic Visit by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Pakistan After 20 Years
Trade, Investment, and Canola Agreements Mark the Beginning of a New Economic Era
Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s landmark visit has opened new doors for trade and investment between Canada and Pakistan.
Billions of dollars in opportunities are expected across canola, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and advanced technology.
After two decades, diplomacy is paving the way for a new era of economic partnership between the two countries.
Special Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s historic visit to Pakistan has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations between Canada and Pakistan. It marks the first official visit by a Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in nearly 20 years, and both countries have described it as a major milestone in strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Canada and Pakistan have agreed to further expand trade, investment, and economic collaboration, with a focus on key sectors including agriculture, energy, mining, renewable energy, and the automotive industry.
During her visit to Islamabad, Foreign Minister Anita Anand met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and conveyed the greetings of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and creating new opportunities for economic growth and long-term cooperation.
Both countries reviewed measures to increase investment and discussed the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA), which is expected to enhance investor confidence. Canada and Pakistan also agreed to exchange trade and minerals delegations to identify new areas of economic cooperation.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a phytosanitary protocol governing the import of Canadian canola into Pakistan, a significant step toward expanding agricultural trade between the two nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Canada, particularly in trade and investment, and expressed his hope of meeting Prime Minister Mark Carney in the near future.
During her visit, Foreign Minister Anita Anand also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior Pakistani officials. The meetings focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, regional cooperation, and economic partnership.
Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in several strategic sectors, including:
- Critical minerals and mineral resources
- Mining and mineral services
- Agriculture and agricultural technology
- Food security
- Energy
- Infrastructure
- Trade and investment
- Private-sector partnerships
The ongoing negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) were also highlighted as an important step toward providing greater protection and confidence for investors.
Another significant achievement of the visit was the signing of the phytosanitary protocol for the import of Canadian canola into Pakistan, further strengthening agricultural trade. According to official figures, Canadian canola exports to Pakistan have reached approximately CAD 426 million since late 2025, while total bilateral trade between Canada and Pakistan amounted to approximately CAD 1.2 billion in 2025.
Experts believe the visit will not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also create new opportunities in trade, investment, critical minerals, agriculture, energy, and advanced technology, paving the way for a stronger and more dynamic economic partnership between Canada and Pakistan in the years ahead.
