Australia, Pakistan trade crosses $2.6b as Canberra marks National Day in Islamabad

Australia and Pakistan are expanding cooperation in trade, education, agriculture and sports, Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said during Australia Day in Spring 2026 celebrations held here Tuesday

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) Australia and Pakistan are expanding cooperation in trade, education, agriculture and sports, Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said during Australia Day in Spring 2026 celebrations held here Tuesday.

The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, media representatives, alumni and members of the Pakistani community linked with Australia.

The ceremony marked Australia’s National Day and highlighted growing ties between the two countries, with bilateral trade now crossing US$2.6 billion and more than 21,000 Pakistani students currently studying in Australia.

Speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said the relationship between the two countries is based on long-standing people-to-people links and cooperation in areas important for the future of both nations.

He said the connection between Australia and Pakistan goes back many years, referring to cameleers from present-day Pakistan who helped explore Australia’s outback. He also mentioned the contribution of more than 145,000 Australians of Pakistani origin living in Australia today.

Kane said both countries are working together in sectors including food security, water management, climate resilience and education. He noted that Australia and Pakistan, as Indo-Pacific partners, share common interests and continue to build cooperation through practical projects and mutual trust.

The High Commissioner highlighted more than four decades of agricultural collaboration between the two countries.

He said joint research initiatives have focused on water management, salinity control, hybrid wheat production, citrus and mango farming, and climate-resilient agriculture.

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He added that commercial relations were also growing steadily. According to him, Australian exports such as chickpeas, oil seeds and dairy cattle are supporting Pakistan’s food security and dairy industry, while overall trade between the two countries has exceeded US$2.6 billion.

Education was another major focus of the event, Kane said, adding that graduates of Australian institutions were serving in different sectors across Pakistan, including business, medicine, science, government and higher education.

Cricket and sports cooperation also remained part of the celebrations ahead of the Australian men’s cricket team’s upcoming One Day International tour of Pakistan. Kane described cricket as an important link between the people of both countries.

The High Commissioner said Australia is also supporting programs aimed at creating opportunities for girls and visually impaired athletes through sports initiatives that encourage participation and inclusion.

Guests at the event experienced displays inspired by Australian landscapes and culture. The evening included digital presentations, cultural exhibits and food arrangements reflecting the links between Australia and Pakistan.

The event also reflected Australia’s broader approach toward strengthening relations with Pakistan through trade, education, climate cooperation and cultural exchange. Officials at the gathering said both countries continue to expand engagement through shared interests and stronger public connections developed over many years.