Pakistan, Canada discuss investment protection, trade expansion

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Canada's Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, in Bangkok, Thailand, on the margins of the World Bank Group and IMF Annual Meetings 2026, according to Mettis Global. The two sides discussed ways to widen commercial and investment ties across agriculture, mining, technology and food security. Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan's economic stabilisation efforts and called for quicker progress on a bilateral investment protection pact aimed at facilitating greater Canadian investment in the country.

Both sides explored openings in agrotechnology, livestock and food security. Private sector involvement was described as key to deepening economic relations. The Barrick mining project was also reviewed, covering its security situation, financing arrangements and prospects for exports and jobs.

Further avenues were identified in IT services, artificial intelligence skills and virtual assets, while the diaspora's role in sending remittances from Canada was highlighted. Views were also exchanged on Pakistan's mediation efforts, along with how a regional conflict is affecting energy markets, fertilisers and global food security. Aurangzeb expressed gratitude for Canadian aid after the floods, pointed to tourism as another area and extended an invitation to Sarai to come to Pakistan.