Talks on investment treaty with Canada make progress

Pakistan and Canada have completed a third round of talks on a proposed bilateral investment treaty, with negotiations making significant headway, Dawn reported on October 25. The discussions took place on Saturday, and delegations were led by officials from Global Affairs Canada and Pakistan’s Ministry of Law and Justice.

The countries addressed matters including portfolio investment, expropriation, performance requirements and procedures for resolving disputes between investors and states. Pakistan’s Board of Investment said the agreement could support investor confidence and wider business links, while the Canadian high commissioner called for continued work towards a balanced pact. The negotiations concluded at a ceremony attended by Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and the Canadian high commissioner to Pakistan, Tariq Ali Khan.