Pakistan and Canada: Economic Diplomacy Opens New Paths for Investment and Clean Energy

Faisal Abro, Pakistan's Consul General in Montreal: "Economic diplomacy is at the top of our priorities with Canada"

MONTREAL — Rita Wakim

Pakistan is seeking to move its relationship with Canada toward a broader economic partnership, placing trade, investment, energy and mining among its priorities while opening new avenues for cooperation on climate change, education and technology at a time of renewed momentum in bilateral relations.

Faisal Abro, Pakistan's Consul General in Montreal, told journalist Rita Wakim that "economic diplomacy" will be a central focus of his work in the coming period. He pointed to opportunities for expanding cooperation in mining, energy, agriculture, textiles and technology, alongside higher education and cultural exchange.

New Momentum in Bilateral Relations

Abro's outlook comes after Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand visited Islamabad on July 20, 2026, marking the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost 20 years. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, trade and investment.

Climate change was also a significant part of the visit. Anand announced C$45 million for three Canadian development assistance projects in Pakistan, including C$15 million in partnership with Aga Khan Foundation Canada to strengthen climate resilience. The package also included C$10 million to support education for flood-affected children and C$20 million to expand access to reproductive health and family planning services.

Canada and Pakistan also agreed to encourage greater investment in clean energy, particularly solar, wind and battery storage technologies, as part of a broader effort to expand economic cooperation.

The figures point to room for further growth. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately C$1.2 billion in 2025, including C$499.7 million in Canadian exports to Pakistan and C$696 million in imports. Canada also hosted the second round of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in June 2026.

Mining and Energy Among Key Opportunities

Abro sees Pakistan's natural resources and economic potential as an opportunity to attract greater Canadian investment, particularly in mining, energy, agriculture and manufacturing.

The Reko Diq copper and gold project stands out as one of the most significant examples of Canadian investment in Pakistan, with Canadian-based Barrick Mining holding a 50% interest. The company had previously targeted first production by the end of 2028, but announced in April 2026 that it would slow development and continue reviewing the project until mid-2027 amid heightened security risks, potentially affecting previously announced costs and timelines.

Opportunities extend beyond mining. Canada has welcomed plans by Canadian company JCM Power to begin development of the 240 MW Dhabeji hybrid wind and solar project in partnership with Karachi Electric, reflecting the potential for greater cooperation in renewable energy.

Abro also highlighted Pakistan's agricultural sector, particularly basmati rice, as well as textiles, clothing, cotton, leather products and handicrafts, which he sees as additional areas for expanding commercial links with the Canadian market.

Montreal as a Gateway for Education and Technology

Higher education is another area Abro sees as promising, with Montreal's universities, academic institutions and research centres offering opportunities for Pakistani students and for closer cooperation between institutions in both countries.

Technology and artificial intelligence are also part of that outlook, with an interest in increasing the participation of Pakistani companies and institutions in exhibitions and forums held in Canada, creating more direct connections with Canadian businesses, investors and markets.

Abro also serves as Pakistan's Alternate Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, alongside his role as Consul General in Montreal, where the organization is headquartered.

Culture and Sport as Additional Bridges

For Abro, culture, tourism and sport can also strengthen connections between the two societies. He pointed to Pakistan's tourism and cultural assets, as well as Sialkot's international reputation for sporting goods and traditional products.

People-to-People Links

Canada-Pakistan relations are also supported by extensive human ties. More than 300,000 Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Pakistani origin live in Canada, providing a strong foundation for economic, educational and cultural connections between the two countries.

In Abro's view, the current momentum provides an opportunity to expand these ties into more practical partnerships, with trade, investment, clean energy, education and technology among the priorities for the next stage of Canada-Pakistan relations.