CVN ( Khalid Khan ) Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi met with the High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Islamabad. The meeting discussed the promotion of agriculture, minerals, renewable energy and trade cooperation. Both sides agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation and ties in various sectors. The Chief Minister said that the provincial government should provide full protection to foreign investors.
Canada is an important trading partner of Pakistan. But so far, Canadian investment has been mostly limited to Punjab and Sindh. For the first time, Canada has officially declared KP as a priority province and has made direct contact. *
Key points of the meeting
- Promotion of trade
Both sides agreed that access to Canadian markets would be increased in the agricultural commodities, handicrafts, minerals and IT sectors of KP. Canada showed interest in KP marble, furniture and agricultural products.
- Investment
The High Commissioner said that Canadian investors are keen to invest in the sectors of energy, renewable energy, education, health and tourism. The Chief Minister invited Canadian companies to invest in special economic zones in KP. - Human Resources and Education
Canada offered cooperation in skill development and scholarship programs for the youth of KP. The two also agreed to create linkages between universities. - Minerals and Infrastructure
KP is a mineral-rich province. The Chief Minister said that the province will provide attractive incentives to Canadian companies for partnership in mining and value addition.
The Chief Minister said that “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is ready for peace, investment and development. Cooperation with a friendly country like Canada will create new employment opportunities in the province.” He assured that one-window convenience and security would be provided to investors.
The Canadian High Commissioner said that Canada wants a long-term partnership with Pakistan. KP’s large youth population and natural resources are a great opportunity for investment.
Importance of this agreement
- Employment: Investment is likely to create thousands of jobs locally
- Exports: KP’s products will get an international market
- Image: The province’s positive image will be projected to the world
According to the government, both sides will also hold a joint “Business Forum” in the next 3 months in which Canadian and KP businessmen will participate
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