Islamabad (TDI): High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, Tarik Ali Khan, paid a courtesy call on the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, to discuss strengthening bilateral collaboration in agriculture.
Minister Hussain emphasized Pakistan’s strong commitment to expanding agricultural ties with Canada, noting that agricultural cooperation remains an integral pillar of the broader Pakistan–Canada relationship.
He acknowledged Canada’s global reputation for excellence in sustainable agriculture, advanced food production systems, and science-based regulatory frameworks, and expressed Pakistan’s desire to benefit from Canadian expertise.
The minister stressed the importance of resolving market access challenges to ensure uninterrupted trade in priority commodities, particularly canola, which constitutes Pakistan’s major agricultural import from Canada.
He highlighted that Pakistan seeks robust and timely certification and registration processes to facilitate predictable canola imports. He also underscored Pakistan’s interest in expanding its agricultural exports to the Canadian market, including mangoes, rice, kinnow, dates, halal meat, gelatin, sheep casings, and processed poultry products.
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He said that Pakistan is eager to strengthen its halal export footprint in Canada and sought CFIA’s support in accelerating certification procedures for halal gelatin, casings, and value-added poultry.
The minister further outlined Pakistan’s need for Canadian technical assistance in areas critical to agricultural modernization and international market compliance.
These include embryo transfer technology, import risk assessment training, and the development of modern animal health information systems.
He requested Canada’s continued support in helping Pakistan finalize its BSE negligible risk dossier and its FMD control program—both essential steps for improving Pakistan’s access to premium global markets.
He also conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to science-based trade and reiterated that decisions regarding phytosanitary arrangements must be grounded in verified field-level assessments and robust risk evaluation.
High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns and assured the Minister of Canada’s readiness to deepen technical collaboration across multiple areas of agriculture and food safety.
He briefed the Minister on Canada’s strong pest management systems implemented along the entire supply chain under ISPM-14 and explained Canada’s interest in having Pakistan review and eventually accept Canadian grain exports under the systems approach framework.
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He reaffirmed that Canada welcomes the forthcoming visit of a four-member DPP technical team and will fully facilitate their on-ground verification of Canada’s production, storage, transportation, and inspection systems.
The High Commissioner also highlighted Canada’s expanding production of edible oils, including canola, soybean, and palm oil, and conveyed Canada’s intention to resume canola exports to Pakistan once regulatory clearances related to GMO licensing are fully addressed.
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s participation in past bilateral political consultations and encouraged continued engagement through institutional channels.
He informed the Minister of Canada’s plans to invite MNFSR officials to the Canada Crops Convention in April 2026 and confirmed that Canada looks forward to participating in the Pakistan Edible Oil Conference.
He reaffirmed that Canada views Pakistan as a priority partner in the region and is committed to supporting Pakistan in strengthening food security, modernizing agricultural systems, and improving trade competitiveness.
In closing, Minister Hussain proposed the establishment of a Joint Working Group to maintain momentum on technical discussions, regulatory harmonization, and market access issues.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
