Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, today stressed the critical importance of resolving market access challenges with Canada to guarantee the uninterrupted trade of priority commodities, placing a particular focus on canola, a major Pakistani import.
The minister’s remarks were made during a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, who visited him in the capital to discuss bilateral cooperation. Hussain conveyed Pakistan”s strong desire to broaden its agricultural exports to the Canadian market. He identified a range of potential products, including mangoes, rice, kinnow, dates, halal meat, gelatin, sheep casings, and processed poultry goods.
In addition to trade, the minister outlined Pakistan”s requirement for Canadian technical support to modernize its agricultural sector and comply with international market standards. Specific areas of need include embryo transfer technology, specialized training in import risk assessment, and assistance in developing modern animal health information systems.
High Commissioner Khan responded by affirming Canada”s steadfast commitment to aiding Pakistan. He reiterated his country”s dedication to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening food security, modernizing agricultural systems, and improving overall trade competitiveness.
As a sign of continued engagement, the Canadian envoy invited Pakistani officials to the Canada Crops Convention in April of the coming year and confirmed Canada’s intention to participate in the Pakistan Edible Oil Conference.