President's Views
Tauseef Sheikh
New directions
ICCC welcomes the new government, and urges an inclusive approach to more strategic ties with India
The Right Hon. Justin Trudeau with
his family after winning the elections
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) offers sincere congratulations to the Right Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and all the candidates who have been elected to Canada’s House of Commons following the 44th federal elections, results of which were declared on 20 September 2021.
The new Liberal government will have to focus on the pandemic. Canada is doing good on tackling the pandemic in terms of the percentage of population that is already double vaccinated. However, the economic impact of the pandemic is going to remain an integral part of the Canadian economy for a long time.
As a representative of small businesses, especially racialized small businesses, the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce is urging the new government to continue with the assistance that it has provided since the pandemic began in 2020. Such help will sustain small businesses for a period that the economy will require to return to its pre-pandemic levels and turn to growth.
Read more: President's views
Chirag Shah re-appointed Director of ICCC
The Board of Directors of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce at its meeting of 11 September 2021 unanimously approved the re-appointment of Chirag Shah to the Board. Chirag was a member of the board in 2018-19.
Chirag Shah, a young technocrat who has rapidly scaled peaks of technological achievements by constantly striving to serve clients beyond their expectations. His company, SUBHTECH SOLUTIONS INC., focuses on adopting innovative approaches to clients’ needs. Chirag is actively involved in advising high net worth individuals and businesses in Canada and India through his boutique consulting and advisory service VAYAM MANTU ADVISORS INC. A firm believer in giving back to the Canadian society, and to the Indo-Canadian community, Chirag strives to work towards positive transformation for a number of not-for-profit organizations.
Insight
The Future of Work
Kunal Gupta
A few weeks ago, I booked a one-way ticket and moved to Portugal.
The first question I most often have been asked is, ’why Portugal?’. To which my response is something along the lines of, ‘it’s Portugal’.
After exchanging smiles and a brief laugh, the second question I am most often asked is ‘what about your work?’.
Living in a different country, continent and culture over the past few weeks has both inspired me and challenged me in unexpected ways.
In the face of change, I believe it is important to let go of what was, to make space for what might be.
The pandemic has been an unplanned and unexpected phenomenon that has changed how we work. It has forced the letting go of so much, and that space has been filled with new unimagined ways of work.
Packing up and moving spontaneously to another continent and country has also been an unplanned and unexpected phenomenon in my own world of work.
Read more: Insight
Kunal Gupta is CEO, Polar. He is Entrepreneur, Volunteer, Teacher. He is the recipient of 2011 ICCC Technology Award.
Register now for 2 Virtual Buyer-Seller Meetings
- Agro & Food Products Exporters from Jammu & Kashmir
- Footwear and Leather Products
Agro & Food Products Buyer-Seller Meeting Exporters from Jammu & Kashmir
9:30 AM EST / 7:00 PM IST Friday 24 September
Register
Footwear & Leather Products Buyer-Seller Meeting
10:00 AM EST / 7:30 PM IST Tuesday 28 September
Register
In the News
Ontario's Vaccine Passport
Implementation date: 22 September 2021
To further protect Ontarians as the province continues to confront the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22, 2021. Requiring proof of vaccination in these settings reduces risk and is an important step to encourage every last eligible Ontarian to get their shot, which is critical to protecting the province’s hospital capacity, while also supporting businesses with the tools they need to keep customers safe, stay open and minimize disruptions.
“As the world continues its fight against the Delta variant, our government will never waver in our commitment to do what’s necessary to keep people safe, protect our hospitals and minimize disruptions to businesses,” said Premier Ford. “Based on the latest evidence and best advice, COVID-19 vaccine certificates give us the best chance to slow the spread of this virus while helping us to avoid further lockdowns. If you haven’t received your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please do so today.”
As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities.
Read more: In the News
Download your vaccine passport
Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF)
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is organizing the 52nd trade fair for Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF) in person from 28th – 31st October 2021.
EPCH has organized the earlier editions of IHGF Delhi Fair virtually due to COVID pandemic, however, since the situation across the world is getting back to normal, EPCH is organizing the 52nd IHGF Delhi Fair from 28th – 31st October, 2021, in physical form at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR with all necessary SOPs as laid down by the Government of India. It is pertinent to mention that physical B2B events are the life and blood for the handicrafts sector as the element of touch, feel and visual impact plays a very important role in the decision making of the buyers.
Over 2000 exhibitors from all across the Country will be showcasing designs of Home, Lifestyles, Fashion, Furniture and Textiles products to the overseas buying community. The broad product categories of IHGF Delhi Fair are:
Houseware, Decorative & Gifts
Furniture & Home Accessories
Home Textiles, Furnishings & Floor Coverings
Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Bags
Christmas Decorations, Candles & Incense and
Lamps & Lighting
Online registration for the event can be done using the following web link: https://www.ihgfdelhifair.in/register.php
The complete details of the show are available on https://www.ihgfdelhifair.in/
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Recovery Activation Program
Wednesday, September 29 at 9 am – 12:45 pm
On September 29th, the Toronto Region Board of Trade will be delivering the next Recovery Activation Program (RAP) Digital Certificate workshop! This session will help you to optimize your website to convert clicks into customers.
Experts from Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Ontario Made, Drawbridge Growth and Wuxly Movement will discuss how to improve your on-site conversion rate.
To gain access to RAP’s Digital Certificate workshops and other unique programming, head to www.rap.bot.com and take your no-cost Digital Needs Assessment (DNA) today – it only takes 20 minutes!
