OTTAWA: Pakistan and Canada have started negotiations in Ottawa on a bilateral investment agreement aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.
The talks focus on the proposed Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) and a broader bilateral investment framework.
The negotiations are being held to improve investor confidence and expand economic ties between the two countries.
Pakistan’s delegation is led by Additional Secretary of the Board of Investment Zulfiqar Ali. Senior officials from trade, investment, and economic institutions are also part of the delegation.
Officials said the Pakistani side is working to secure stronger investment protections and better facilitation for foreign investors.
The discussions also cover dispute resolution mechanisms. Both sides aim to ensure transparency and efficiency in handling investment-related issues.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada, Muhammad Saleem, said both countries are committed to building a modern and effective investment system.
He said Pakistan has introduced reforms to improve the business environment. These include investor protection measures and improved dispute resolution frameworks.
He added that these reforms are part of Pakistan’s broader economic reform agenda.
At the opening session, Director General of the South Asia Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, Jean Christian Brillant, welcomed the Pakistani delegation.
He expressed hope that the negotiations would be constructive and produce positive outcomes.
Officials recalled that the previous round of talks was held in October 2025 in Islamabad.
They said the current round is expected to further strengthen bilateral economic relations.
The focus remains on enhancing investment flows and building long-term economic cooperation between Pakistan and Canada.
