There is a need of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Canada to minimize the trade imbalance between both the countries. The issue was discussed today in a meeting with Mr. Bruce Archibald the Deputy Minister of International Trade and investment Government of Ontario and the Pakistan Trade Delegation headed by Mr. Mohibullah Shah Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.

While welcoming the Pakistan Trade Delegation Mr. Bruce Archibald Deputy Minster said that the visit of delegation and Canada Pakistan Trade Expo will go a long way in promotion of bilateral trade and possibility of signing of FTA. He said that the interaction between the business community of both the countries will lead to FTA which will definitely create a win win situation to both the countries.

Underlining the need of FTA Mr. Mohibullah Chief Executive of TDAP said that FTA will give a level playing filed to Pakistani exporters and manufactures in the Canadian market as presently the customs tariff is the main barrier in promotion of Pakistan 's export to Canada. He further added that due to the facility of duty free access to Canada, the other competitors of Pakistan are capturing the major share of Canadian market.

While expressing the geographical advantages of both the countries Mr. Sultan Ahmed Chawla President FPCCI said that FTA between both the countries will result in expansion of exports of both the countries. He said that Pakistan has already signed FTA with China which is the world largest huge market and Canadian investors can make use of the FTA between Pakistan and China. FTA between Pakistan and Canada will also give advantages to the Canadian investors to penetrate in the Central Asian Countries which are considered unexplored market.

Mr. Chawla further stated that Pakistan was confronting with many challenges and this was the need of hour that Canada should facilitate Pakistan by providing duty free access to its market. He said that Canada - Pakistan Trade Expo at Canada has proved that the Pakistani products have all the potential to have a major share in the Canadian market. He further informed the Deputy Minister that the situation in Pakistan is not as worst as is being highlighted in the Press and Media. He said that some parts of Pakistan which were disturbed are getting to the normality. He invited the Canadian investors to make investment in Pakistan which offers good returns particularly in the field of power generation.

Mr. S M Muneer Chairman of Pakistan Canada Business Council of FPCCI informed the Deputy Minster about the large range of products being displayed in Canada Pakistan Trade Expo which indicates the seriousness of Pakistani exporters for Canadian market. He emphasized on the need that both countries should come forward to reduce the barriers in trade. FTA between both the countries which will lead to promotion of bilateral trade and open investment opportunities.

The members of the delegation included Mr. Mohibullah Shah Chief Executive TDA, Mr. Sultan Ahmed Chawla President FPCCI, Mr. S M Muneer Chairman Pakistan Canada Business Council of FPCCI, Mr. Muhammad Mansha Churra and Mr. Mumtaz Sheikh Vice Presidents FPCCI, Mr. Muhammad Amin Khatri Chairman Fairs and Exhibitions Committee of FPCCI, Mr. Haroon Rashid Sr. Vice Chairman of Pakistan Canada Business Council of FPCCIand Mr. Khurram Sayeed Director Pakistan Canada Business Council of FPCCI.

Mr. Tisha Ashton Legislative Assistant also visited Canada Pakistan Trade Expo at Toronto and had a brief meeting with Mr. S M Muneer Chairman Pakistan Canada Business Council of FPCCI and Mr. Muhammad Amin Khatri Chairman Fairs and Exhibitions Committee of FPCCI. The Legislative Assistant went around all the stalls of the expo and highly appreciated the quality of the products of Pakistan.