Canadian Mining Firms Show Interest in Pakistan’s Minerals Sector

Canadian mining companies are preparing to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s minerals sector, with a delegation expected to participate in an upcoming minerals investment forum as Islamabad seeks to attract foreign capital into exploration and mining.

 

The development was discussed during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan.

 

The Canadian envoy said companies involved in mineral exploration, mining services, equipment and supply chains were expected to attend the investment forum. Jam Kamal welcomed the interest and identified mining as one of the government’s priority areas for investment.

 

The two sides also discussed efforts to accelerate negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). The next round of talks is expected to take place in the first week of October, with both sides aiming to resolve outstanding issues and move towards an agreement.

 

The Canadian High Commissioner described FIPA as an important foundation for expanding investment ties, saying stronger legal protections, arbitration and dispute-resolution mechanisms could provide greater confidence to Canadian investors.

 

The agreement could also support the formation of joint ventures and eventually contribute to broader trade cooperation between the two countries. The envoy noted that Canadian businesses were increasingly interested in Pakistan’s large consumer market but required a predictable and secure investment environment.

 

He also highlighted the potential role of more than 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin in strengthening commercial and investment links.

 

Jam Kamal assured the Canadian side of the government’s support for the negotiations and directed officials to conduct consultations ahead of the October talks to narrow differences and identify workable solutions.

 

The discussions also covered renewable energy, with the Canadian side highlighting a proposed hybrid renewable-energy project in Jhimpir and opportunities for Canadian firms to supply solar and green-energy solutions to Pakistani industries.

 

Agriculture-related cooperation was also discussed, including dairy, animal genetics, edible oils, fruit concentrates, food processing and value-added exports.

 

Jam Kamal stressed the need to shift from commodity-based trade towards joint ventures focused on processing Pakistani agricultural products and exporting finished goods to Middle Eastern and other international markets.

 

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in canola processing. Canada is already a major supplier of canola seed to Pakistan, while local crushing generates edible oil and protein-rich animal feed. Further cooperation in processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing could create opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

 

Aviation and aerospace were also identified as potential areas of cooperation, including aircraft leasing, regional connectivity and partnerships with Canadian aviation companies.

 

The officials highlighted the importance of PIA’s direct Toronto service, currently the only direct air connection between Pakistan and North America, and its potential to support stronger business and diaspora links.

 

Jam Kamal said Pakistan’s geographic position and connectivity with China, Central Asia and the Middle East offered Canadian companies opportunities to expand their regional presence.

 

Both sides also emphasised the importance of connecting Pakistani businesses with Canadian investors and buyers in third-country markets to develop commercially viable partnerships.