Pakistan and Canada Begin Third Round of Investment Treaty Talks in Islamabad, Running October 19 to 21
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Canada have moved their investment negotiations a step further. The third round of talks on a Bilateral Investment Treaty began in Islamabad on Monday and runs for three days, from October 19 to 21, at the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
Who is leading the two sides
The Canadian delegation is led by High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, while Pakistan’s side is headed by SIFC Secretary Jamil Ahmad Qureshi. Officials from relevant ministries and departments of both countries are at the table. Opening the round, Qureshi welcomed the Canadian team and said concluding the treaty would be a significant milestone in Pakistan-Canada relations.
What investors would get
A finished treaty, officials say, would give investors on both sides a predictable, transparent and stable legal framework — and that kind of certainty is what strengthens the flow of foreign direct investment. Canada’s high commissioner thanked the government for hosting the round and for its constructive approach, reaffirming his country’s commitment to an early and balanced agreement that serves both countries and their business communities.
Where the interest lies
In meetings alongside the formal sessions, the Canadian delegation highlighted interest from its investors in renewable energy, mining, agriculture and information technology in Pakistan. Both sides have taken up the follow-up items left over from previous rounds, and say they intend to use the three days to cover as much ground as possible and move the treaty text towards finalisation.
