Pakistan–Canada bilateral trade has surpassed $1 billion annually, highlighting a significant milestone in economic relations between the two countries, according to Samir Dossal, President of the Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC). Speaking at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opening bell ceremony, Dossal said the achievement reflects growing commercial engagement and increasing confidence of Canadian businesses in Pakistan’s economy. He added that the recent performance of Pakistan’s stock market demonstrates improved stability following economic challenges and offers new investment opportunities for Canadian companies.
Dossal noted that Pakistan’s population of over 240 million makes it an attractive market for Canadian goods and services, while the Pakistani-origin Canadian diaspora provides a strong platform for investment, skills transfer, and business collaboration. Bilateral trade has grown from $300 million in 2012 to over $1 billion, driven by sectors including agriculture, education, innovation, and consumer brands.
In the agrifood sector, 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 through high-level government coordination and diplomatic engagement. In education and innovation, a new academic partnership between NED University and Toronto Metropolitan University has been established to enhance research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
Canadian brands are also expanding their presence in Pakistan, with Tim Hortons opening outlets in Karachi and Lahore, Mary Brown’s Chicken entering the market, and Second Cup operating more than 50 locations nationwide. Dossal emphasized that the deepening trade and investment relationship demonstrates that Canadian companies increasingly view Pakistan as a long-term market, with cooperation extending beyond traditional trade. The CPBC facilitates this growing bilateral trade and investment, supporting over $1 billion in annual commerce between Pakistan and Canada.
