Largest ever Indian trade delegation to visit Canada from June 15-20, 2008

{mosimage}Ottawa, Canada – Canada India Foundation (CIF) is pleased to support the upcoming visit of the largest ever trade delegation from India to Canada on June 15-20, 2008 organised by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber. The “India Calling” delegation comprises over 145 people, including 115 business delegates from key business sectors such as Infrastructure, Education, Information Communications and Technology, Alternative Energy, and Life Sciences.

“We are coming to Canada to seek business opportunities,” said Mr. M. N. Chaini, President of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (Mumbai). “And along the way, we are going to tell Canadian business and political leaders about the great opportunities that are available in India.”

The “India Calling” delegation is led by Hon. Kapil Sibal, Minister of Science and Technology and Ocean Development (India); Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Knowledge Commission (India); and Hon. Suresh Prabhu, MP and former Union Minister of Power (India).

While in Canada, the trade delegation will meet with business, academia and government officials including Hon. David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency; Hon. Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade (Ontario); and Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia.

“If Canadians are interested in doing business in India, they should be meeting with members of this trade delegation,” said Manoj Pundit, Director, Canada India Foundation.  “With rule of law, democracy, a large English speaking population, and one of the world’s fastest growing economies, India offers tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies.”

“Moreover, thanks to the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, David Emerson, Canada is taking active steps to finalize a foreign investment protection agreement with India, making India an even more attractive place for Canadian investment” added Pundit.

CIF urges Canadian companies who are interested in participating in meetings with the delegation in Toronto and Vancouver to visit