May 4, 2006	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1427

QUETTA, May 3: The Canadian High Commissioner Mr David B Collins has said that the volume of trade between the two countries has touched the $600 million mark and efforts are under way to increase the same.

He stated this while talking to newsmen after launching the book of Ms Kethy Gannon, international correspondent of Associated Press (AP) on Afghanistan.

He said that both the Canada and Pakistan enjoyed vibrant economic relations and as were trade partners since 1950s when Warsak Dam was constructed in Pakistan.

Replying to a question, he said that Canada was cooperating with Pakistan for development of various sectors. He said that as for as investment in Pakistan was concerned his country had already invested in different fields. Canada had invested $75 million in joint venture of copper-cum gold project in Rico-dik area of Balochistan along-with a Chilean company.

He said that Balochistan had great potential for investment in various sectors, especially in minerals and he would make all possible efforts to bring Canadian investors to invest in the province.

Responding to yet another question about investment in emerging port city of Gwadar, the Canadian High Commissioner said that soon a delegation of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be visiting Canada to hold talks with the Canadian investors.

He informed that Canada had provided $80 million for the relief of the October 8 earthquake victims in Azad Kashmir and other areas of Pakistan.