Canada India Foundation Welcomes the Start of the Canada India Free Trade Negotiations

Toronto, ON, November 16, 2010 – The official kick-off of the Free Trade negotiations between Canada and India, which took place today in New Delhi, has been hailed as a significant first step toward closer economic integration of the Canadian and Indian economies by Canada India Foundation, a national public policy organization.

“The start of the Free Trade negotiations is the natural consequence of the prominent places the two countries hold in the global economy of the 21st century” said Mr. Ramesh Chotai, Chair of Canada India Foundation. “We expect that the key sectors of mutual importance such as mining, energy, infrastructure, power, agriculture, textiles and financial services should benefit from the conclusion of the free trade agreement.  The agreement should contribute to a significant increase in trade volume between the two countries and will recognize the complementary nature of the two economies” he said.

“Canada India Foundation urges both countries to implement appropriate changes to eliminate tariffs, quotas and subsidies within these strategically important sectors, which will support greater bilateral flow of goods and services.  Canada India Foundation has been advocating in favor of a free trade agreement since the formation of the organization approximately 4 years ago and will be happy to provide a public policy perspective to the free trade discussions on an ongoing basis.” Mr. Chotai said.

About Canada India Foundation:
Canada India Foundation is a national not-for-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering support for stronger bi-lateral relations between Canada and India.  Leveraging the individual and collective capabilities of Canadians of Indian Origin and other friends of the Canada India corridor, CIF serves the interests of Canada by advocating deeper engagement with India. To learn more about Canada India Foundation, please visit mpundit@canadaindia.org or (416) 816-0841.