Pakistan has indicated it is ready to import Canadian canola, as Ottawa seeks to diversify markets for the product following trade tensions with China.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar held a telephone call with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, reaffirming the strength of ties between Pakistan and Canada and highlighting the need to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
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“Pakistan and Canada have agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognizing the significant potential of Pakistan’s growing market for this Canadian product,” the statement added.
The development comes as Canada seeks to increase its canola exports after Beijing announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian imports in August, a year after Ottawa imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.
Dar and Anand also welcomed the successful conclusion of the first round of negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), led by Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and Canadian Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu. The agreement, noted the press release, reflects the commitment of the two countries to foster a stable and transparent environment for foreign investments.
Canada is strengthening and diversifying its trade relations.
As we continue negotiations towards a Foreign Investment and Promotion Agreement with Pakistan, our governments have agreed to facilitate exports of Canadian canola – a win-win agreement.
– Rob Oliphant (@Rob_Oliphant) November 3, 2025
Both sides expressed interest in strengthening collaboration on energy security and critical minerals, with Dar highlighting opportunities for Canadian companies to support Pakistan’s clean energy transition and mineral development initiatives.
The ministers also considered the sixth round of Pakistan-Canada bilateral consultations, which will serve as a platform to advance shared priorities, strengthen government-to-government and private sector ties, and explore new areas of strategic partnership.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anand shared the joint statement on X, while Canadian MP Rob Oliphant said Ottawa was “strengthening and diversifying” its trade relations.
Canadian MP Shafqat Ali also welcomed the announcement, stressing that the two countries were “strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the resumption of trade in Canadian canola.”
Earlier, the Foreign Ministry said the two leaders appreciated the recent constructive engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Following the announcement, Anand said she spoke to the Canola Council of Canada, noting that “our diplomatic efforts resulted in Pakistan’s decision to lift restrictions on Canadian canola imports.”
“This move restores an important market for Canadian canola producers,” she wrote on X, adding that “while Pakistan accelerates regulatory approvals for Canadian canola, import orders have already been placed.”
