Islamabad (GNP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tarik Ali Khan, to discuss bilateral economic ties, trade, investment, and ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
The Finance Minister briefed the High Commissioner on recent government measures aimed at easing the burden on citizens amid current economic conditions, highlighting the Prime Minister’s three-month fuel relief initiative — backed by roughly Rs. 75 billion — designed to provide targeted support to eligible consumers.
He also updated the High Commissioner on Pakistan’s recent economic gains, underscoring the government’s continued emphasis on macroeconomic stability, building stronger external buffers, and pushing forward structural reforms. He noted that Pakistan’s improved sovereign credit rating reflects the progress made through these stabilization and reform efforts.
Discussion also centered on ways to boost investor confidence and encourage greater Canadian investment in Pakistan. The High Commissioner stressed the value of strengthening existing investment frameworks between the two nations, with both sides agreeing to maintain engagement toward creating a more predictable and investor-friendly environment.
Khan pointed to significant room for Canadian businesses to expand their presence in Pakistan, noting their currently limited footprint in the market. He identified mining, agriculture, renewable energy, and other sectors as promising areas for investment and potential joint ventures. The Finance Minister, in turn, emphasized the importance of diversifying trade relations and expanding market access, particularly through deeper agricultural cooperation.
The two officials also touched on matters related to the export processing zone framework and the operations of a Canadian-linked recycled clothing business. The Finance Minister acknowledged the employment and environmental advantages of such ventures and pledged to raise the issue with relevant authorities.
Additionally, the Finance Minister discussed the government’s privatization plans, including opportunities within the aviation sector, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest in attracting reliable, long-term international investors while expanding commercial ties with Canadian businesses.
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High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan commended the government’s efforts to reinforce economic stability and reaffirmed Canada’s continued interest in growing trade, investment, and business ties with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and stronger collaboration between the two countries’ business communities.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
