'Canada pursues broad range of interests through bilateral ties': Denis delivers speech ... Page 1 of 2
'Canada pursues broad range of
interests through bilateral ties': Denis
delivers speech at MCCI
March 28, 2014
RECORDER REPORT
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Senior Trade Commissioner of Canada Denis Chouinard said Canada pursues a
broad range of interests in the context of bilateral relations with Pakistan,
including: development co-operation; people-to-people links; regional security and
defence; governance and human rights; trade and investment.
Delivering his speech at Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI)
Denis pledged technical assistance and full support to ensure the easy access of
Pakistani business community to Canadian markets. He vowed to make all-out efforts to boost mutual trade, saying the
time is ripe to strengthen further the economic relations. The Canadian Trade Commissioner shared with the member of
MCCI the methodology to increase the volume of two-way trade and bilateral investment.
The Senior Trade Commissioner said Canada is desirous of increasing its bilateral trade and investment as there are a
number of sectors where huge potential for co-operation exists. He said Energy and Agriculture are the two areas in which
co-operation could lead to a win-win situation for the two countries. He said the High Commission would continue to assist
business people and organisations seeking to strengthen Canada-Pakistan economic relations and commercial ties; and
to Pakistanis and Canadians interests in expanding co-operation in a wide range of fields.
Canadian High Commissioner said Pakistan has a lot of natural resources including vast agricultural and mineral base.
However, it needs structural reforms that is, in education, skill development and taxation. He said that Pakistan is
considered as a middle income country and Canada wants to see it peaceful, prosperous and progressive. He said under
WTO, we must focus on developing its competency through trainings and skill development of the manpower especially in
agriculture.
Pakistan remained an important ally for Canada in the global fight against terrorism. Canada and Pakistan continue to
work together to enhance mutual regional security interests. Canada believes that democracy is integral to a peaceful and
prosperous future for Pakistan and to this end, supports programmes that help strengthen democratic institutions. Peopleto-people links between Pakistan and Canada remain strong. Pakistan is among Canada's top 10 sources of immigrants,
with more than 6,214 permanent resident visas issued. Nearly 12,000 temporary resident and student visas were also
issued that same year. Estimates of the size of the Pakistani community in Canada range up to 300,000 and the
community continues to make significant contributions to the prosperity and multi-cultural fabric of Canada. He further said
Canada has provided socio-economic development assistance to Pakistan for more than forty years. Foreign Affairs,
Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) is focused on education (teacher training) and Women's Economic
Empowerment.
President of MCCI Khawaja Muhammad Usman stressed the need for co-operation in agriculture, energy, power, oil and
gas which need to be exploited to strengthen the ties between two countries. He said Pakistan is exporting garments,
leather products, surgical instruments, carpet, rice, rugs, Cotton yarn and other goods and there is a potential to export
fresh vegetables and fruits particularly mangoes to Canada. Upon this, the Trade Commissioner said the exporters would
have to meet the requirement of Canadian institutions.
He further said Pak and Canada should exchange trade delegations and they should focus the south Punjab for business.
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'Canada pursues broad range of interests through bilateral ties': Denis delivers speech ... Page 2 of 2
Vice President Syed Iftikhar Ali Shah suggested that Canada should issue multiple visas for five-year period like US
because three- or two-year visa is not sufficient for traders.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2014
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