Pakistan, June 20 -- Pakistan is seeking to expand cooperation with Canada on canola cultivation and agricultural technology as it looks to boost domestic oilseed production and reduce an annual edible oil import bill of up to $5 billion, a statement said on Friday.

The push comes as Pakistan, which remains heavily dependent on imported edible oils despite agriculture being a key pillar of its economy, seeks to strengthen food security and improve farm productivity in the face of climate-related challenges, while drawing on Canadian expertise in agricultural research, seed development and modern farming practices.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer ...