Pakistan–Canada bilateral trade has crossed $1 billion annually, marking a major milestone in economic ties between the two countries, Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC) President Samir Dossal said while ringing the opening bell at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday.
Addressing the ceremony, Dossal said the achievement reflects expanding commercial engagement and growing confidence of Canadian businesses in Pakistan’s economy. He said the recent strong performance of the Pakistan stock market signals improved stability after recent economic challenges and presents new opportunities for Canadian investors.
Dossal said Pakistan’s population of more than 240 million makes it an attractive and growing market for Canadian goods and services, while the Pakistani-origin Canadian diaspora provides a strong platform for two-way investment, skills transfer and business collaboration.
He said bilateral trade has increased from $300 million in 2012 to over $1 billion, with agriculture, education, innovation and consumer brands emerging as key drivers.
In the agrifood sector, Dossal said regulatory issues between Pakistan and Canada have been resolved after three years, enabling the import of 500,000 tons of Canadian canola at Karachi Port. He said the development was made possible through high-level coordination between both governments and diplomatic engagement.
In education and innovation, he highlighted a newly signed academic partnership between NED University and Toronto Metropolitan University, aimed at strengthening cooperation in research, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Dossal also pointed to the expanding footprint of Canadian brands in Pakistan, citing the recent launch of Tim Hortons outlets in Karachi and Lahore, the entry of Mary Brown’s Chicken into the local market, and Second Cup’s network of more than 50 outlets across the country.
He said the deepening trade and investment relationship shows that Canadian companies are increasingly viewing Pakistan as a long-term market, adding that the two countries are moving toward broader economic cooperation beyond traditional trade.
The CPBC is the leading bilateral trade body facilitating more than $1 billion in annual trade between Pakistan and Canada.