PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council marked a significant moment for Pakistan’s capital markets as Mr. Samir Dossal, President of the Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC), rang the ceremonial opening gong at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on 13 January 2026 in Karachi. The prstigious event celebrated a major milestone $1 billion in bilateral trade between Canada and Pakistan while reinforcing growing institutional and investor ties between the two countries.
The ceremony was hosted by PSX Chairman Mr. Ruhail Muhamad and Managing Director & CEO Mr. Farrukh Sabzwari, with special recognition given to Mr. Nadeem Naqvi, Director at PSX and CPBC, for his instrumental role in strengthening Canada-Pakistan business engagement and facilitating greater international investor participation in Pakistan’s capital markets.
PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council Reflects Market Optimism
During his address, Mr. Dossal emphasized that the strong performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange sends a powerful signal to global investors, particularly Canadian institutions exploring emerging market opportunities. He noted that Pakistan has successfully navigated economic challenges in recent years and is now positioned for sustainable growth and renewed investor confidence.
With a population exceeding 240 million, Pakistan offers a large and rapidly expanding consumer and investment market. Mr. Dossal highlighted that the vibrant Pakistani-Canadian diaspora further strengthens bilateral relations by enabling two-way flows of capital, expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial collaboration.
Canada-Pakistan Trade Growth: From $300 Million to $1 Billion
A key highlight of the PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council event was the remarkable expansion of bilateral trade. Since 2012, trade volume between Canada and Pakistan has grown from approximately $300 million to over $1 billion annually, reflecting stronger policy alignment, improved regulatory coordination, and rising private-sector engagement.
This growth spans multiple high-impact sectors, each contributing to long-term economic integration between the two nations.
PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council Highlights Key Sectors
Agrifood Trade and Market Access
After nearly three years of regulatory coordination, Canada and Pakistan successfully resolved outstanding requirements, enabling the arrival of 500,000 tons of Canadian canola at Karachi Port. This breakthrough represents one of the most significant agrifood trade achievements between the two countries. Mr. Dossal acknowledged the leadership of Senator Ishaq Dar, Ms. Anita Anand, and High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, whose coordinated efforts made this landmark trade deal possible.
Education, Innovation, and Research Collaboration
Another major milestone announced at the ceremony was the academic partnership between NED University and Toronto Metropolitan University, led by Dr. Mohamed Lachemi. Facilitated by CPBC, the signed Memorandum of Understanding is expected to foster long-term collaboration in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange, strengthening human capital development across borders.
Canadian Brands Thriving in Pakistan’s Consumer Market
The PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council also spotlighted the rapid success of Canadian franchises in Pakistan. Tim Hortons has recorded strong consumer response following flagship store launches in Karachi and Lahore. Mary Brown’s Chicken recently entered the Pakistani market with an enthusiastic reception, while Second Cup continues its sustained growth with over 50 outlets nationwide, reinforcing confidence in Pakistan’s retail and food services sector.
Additionally, CPBC’s engagement with CATYES.org, the Canadian Alliance for Trade, aligns Canada-Pakistan trade objectives with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy, opening new channels for investment and strategic cooperation.
PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council Sends a Clear Message
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Dossal delivered a clear and forward-looking message:
“We are not just trading goods; we are building a shared economic future.”
The PSX Gong Ceremony Canada Pakistan Business Council stands as a symbol of deepening trust, expanding trade, and long-term partnership between Canada and Pakistan anchored in strong institutions, resilient markets, and shared economic ambition.
About the Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC)
The Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC) is the premier bilateral trade organization dedicated to advancing economic ties between the two countries. Recently celebrating its 42nd anniversary, CPBC has played a pivotal role in facilitating over $1 billion in annual trade, supporting investment flows, policy dialogue, and private-sector collaboration across multiple industries.