Pakistan, Canada agree to boost canola trade amid Ottawa’s push for new markets

Move comes after Beijing imposed anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports

Pakistan has signalled its readiness to import Canadian canola, as Ottawa seeks to diversify markets for the commodity following trade tensions with China.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, reaffirming the strength of Pakistan–Canada ties and underscoring the need to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

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Pakistan–Canada Joint Statement: Reaffirming strong and enduring ties - 3rd November 2025

🔗⬇️https://t.co/h9zLGgRH3t pic.twitter.com/biiqrPrOSa

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 3, 2025

Read: China and Canada retaliate as Trump’s new tariffs escalate trade tensions

“Pakistan and Canada agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognising the significant potential of Pakistan’s expanding market for this Canadian commodity,” the statement added.

The development comes as Canada looks to expand canola exports after Beijing announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian imports in August—one 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 toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), led by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. The agreement, the statement noted, reflects both countries’ commitment to fostering a stable and transparent environment for foreign investment.

Canada is strengthening and diversifying its trade relationships.

As we continue negotiations toward a Foreign Investment and Promotion Agreement with Pakistan, our governments have agreed to facilitate Canadian canola exports — a beneficial deal for both sides. https://t.co/i8ac7uw5OK

— 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 looked ahead to the sixth round of Pakistan–Canada Bilateral Consultations, which will serve as a platform to advance shared priorities, enhance government-to-government and private sector linkages, 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 relationships.

See my statement on Pakistan's decision to lift its restrictions on imports of Canadian canola. pic.twitter.com/pZDFSBHBV8

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) October 31, 2025

 

Canadian MP Shafqat Ali also welcomed the announcement, noting that the two countries were “strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including renewed trade in Canadian canola”.

Earlier, the Foreign Office said both leaders had appreciated recent constructive engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

Following the announcement, Anand said she had spoken to the Canola Council of Canada, noting that “our diplomatic efforts had resulted in Pakistan’s decision to lift restrictions on imports of Canadian canola.”

“This decision re-establishes a significant market for Canadian canola producers,” she wrote on X, adding that “as Pakistan expedites regulatory approvals for Canadian canola, import orders have already been placed.”