January 18, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Doha, Qatar — In a landmark development poised to reshape Canada’s economic landscape, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the State of Qatar has committed to making significant strategic investments in Canada’s major building and nation-building projects during his first official visit to Doha. The announcement marks a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, underpinning enhanced trade, defence, and technological collaboration between Ottawa and Doha.
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Carney highlighted that the investments will help accelerate the construction of key infrastructure, boost Canada’s energy industries, and stimulate the creation of thousands of high-paying Canadian jobs. The pact also signals progress on a long-stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) between the two nations — a framework expected to be finalised by summer 2026 after years of negotiations.
“This capital will help the projects get built faster and supercharge our energy industries, while helping to create thousands of high-paying careers for Canadians,” Carney said, describing the deepening partnership as part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify economic ties and strengthen resilience in an uncertain global environment.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the strategic pact includes expanded investment opportunities across clean energy, health, artificial intelligence, defence technologies, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and agri-food sectors. Canadian officials also expect improved access for Canadian businesses to the Qatari market and increased foreign direct investment flowing into Canada, bolstering innovation and economic growth.
The two governments agreed to establish a Joint Canada-Qatar Commission on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation, a platform designed to deepen economic ties and oversee ongoing collaboration. Negotiations will also begin on initiatives such as a double-taxation agreement to facilitate cross-border investment and labour mobility.
Additional elements of the strengthening relationship include an expansion of air services under the Canada-Qatar Air Transport Agreement — expected to enhance connectivity and business travel — and plans to post a Canadian defence attaché to Qatar to encourage collaboration in military, security, and defence expertise.
The partnership unfolds amid Canada’s push to diversify its trade and investment portfolio beyond traditional markets. Observers note parallel efforts, such as upcoming economic partnership talks with the United Arab Emirates, as part of Ottawa’s strategy to build resilient trade ties in the Gulf region.
Qatar, with one of the Gulf’s most dynamic and diversified economies, views the partnership as an opportunity to position itself as a gateway for international investment and technological cooperation — particularly in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, areas where both countries have shown increasing mutual interest.
Trade between Canada and Qatar reached approximately $325 million in 2024, reflecting a balanced exchange of machinery, agricultural products, chemicals and industrial goods. Qatar’s growing interest in Canada’s energy and technology sectors, alongside increased bilateral engagement mechanisms, underscores a deepening strategic relationship with tangible economic and geopolitical ramifications for both nations.
Prime Minister Carney’s visit also reinforced broader ties, including cooperation in support of international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where both nations have agreed to enhance security collaboration based on Qatar’s experience hosting the 2022 tournament.
As negotiations on institutional frameworks and investment flows continue, the Canada-Qatar pact represents a noteworthy pivot in Canada’s approach to global partnerships, blending economic ambition with strategic diplomacy amid shifting global trade dynamics.