Pakistan, Canada to resume FIPA talks

Pakistan and Canada will resume negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) in the first week of October, with both sides seeking to address outstanding issues and conclude the agreement, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

The October round was agreed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan at the Ministry of Commerce. Senior officials, including Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, attended.

The Canadian high commissioner described FIPA as a foundational step for increasing Canadian investment in Pakistan, saying it would give investors confidence through legal protection, arbitration and dispute-resolution mechanisms while paving the way for more joint ventures and broader trade arrangements. He noted Canadian companies recognised the scale of Pakistan's consumer market, but a predictable investment framework was essential.

He said the agreement would also send a positive signal to over 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin.

Kamal Khan said the government was committed to addressing legitimate concerns of investors and directed officials to hold preparatory consultations ahead of the next negotiating round.

"We are as ambitious as Canada in taking this process forward. Our objective is to resolve outstanding matters and establish a strong, mutually beneficial framework for long-term economic cooperation," he said.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in agriculture, mining, clean energy, aviation and value-added industries. The meeting reviewed a proposed hybrid renewable-energy project in Jhimpir, while a Canadian delegation is expected at an upcoming minerals investment forum in Pakistan.