On November 3, 2020, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, met virtually with Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor on Commerce and Investment to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Canada's export diversification strategy includes broadening its trade ties with Asian nations such as Pakistan. Minister Ng and Advisor Dawood discussed the importance of improving the flow of trade between Canada and Pakistan, especially in the context of the global economic recovery from COVID-19.
Minister Ng and Advisor Dawood underscored the strong people-to-people ties between both countries and the growth of the Canada-Pakistan trade relationship in recent years, which exceeded $1 billion last year - creating opportunities for businesses and good jobs for people in both countries.
They also highlighted the importance of supporting workers and businesses in traditional sectors such as manufacturing, education and agriculture, as well as investing in growing industries like clean energy.
Minister Ng and Advisor Dawood agreed to keep working together to advance global economic recovery that benefits everyone. They also agreed to meet in person at the earliest opportunity once it is safe to do so.