Pakistan, Canada begin investment agreement talks

Pakistan and Canada have formally commenced a new round of negotiations in Ottawa aimed at finalising a bilateral investment agreement designed to strengthen economic cooperation and promote foreign investment between the two countries.

The talks are focused on the proposed Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) and a broader bilateral investment framework intended to provide greater confidence and protection for investors operating in both markets.

The Pakistani delegation is being led by Zulfiqar Ali, Additional Secretary at the Board of Investment. The delegation includes senior officials from various government institutions responsible for trade, investment, and economic affairs.

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During the opening session, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada, Muhammad Saleem, reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to establishing a modern and effective investment regime. He highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to improve the business environment, enhance investor protection, and strengthen mechanisms for resolving investment-related disputes.

According to officials, these measures form part of Pakistan’s wider economic reform agenda aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and encouraging sustainable economic growth. The proposed agreement is expected to create a more predictable and secure framework for investors while promoting greater economic collaboration between the two nations.

The negotiations also reflect growing economic engagement between Pakistan and Canada, particularly in sectors such as minerals, energy, trade, and investment. Both countries have recently expressed interest in expanding cooperation in these areas to unlock new business opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations.

Addressing the inaugural meeting, Jean-Christian Brillant, Director General of the South Asia Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and expressed optimism that the discussions would be constructive and productive.

Officials from both sides are expected to discuss various legal, regulatory, and investment-related matters during the negotiations. The latest round of talks follows previous discussions held in Islamabad in October 2025, where both countries reviewed progress on the proposed agreement and explored avenues for enhancing investment cooperation.