Global economic and technological partnerships are inherent to India’s growth strategies for the future, said His Excellency Admiral (Retd) Nirmal Verma, High Commissioner of India in Canada Sunday January 27, 2013 at a reception in his honour organized by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC).

The High Commissioner noted that India will try new models of public-private and community partnerships and innovation driven science and technology to attain higher growth, its huge investable resources and large market is a source of confidence, strength and stability.

“In this context, I regard the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce as vital partner and participant in India’s social and economic development,” the High Commissioner said.

The dinner reception was attended by several dignitaries from the federal government, the Indian diplomatic corps, local Indo-Canadian business community, academicians and community leaders of eminence, and included, among others, Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Hon. Bal Gosal, Canada’s Minister of State for Sports; Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator; Hon. Brad Butt, Member of Parliament; and Hon. Deepika Damerala, Member of Provincial Parliament. Mayor of Brampton, Her Worship Susan Fennell was the guest of honour for the evening.

His Excellency Verma observed that ICCC has played an important role in forging relations between India and Canada for more than three decades. Prime Minister Harper’s visit to India last year added new depth to relationship which has the potential for a very strong economic partnership.

“Canada can be a true partner in India’s infrastructure development which needs US$ 1 trillion in the next five years,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to continue with its innovative approach to building relations between the two countries. “The need of the hour is to create brand awareness. We are engaged in building Brand Canada in India and Brand India in Canada. Brand awareness will enable better trade,” he observed.

He explained that ICCC has created the right atmosphere on bilateral front by suggesting the right direction, influencing policy and by highlighting the role of the Indian Diaspora in creating a network of economic opportunities between their two homelands.

Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, appreciated ICCC’s India Mission to build Brand Canada strategy in India at a time when Canada-India relations are at historic high point. He shared his experience of his recent visit to India in which he witnessed a phenomenal presence of the ICCC-led Canadian delegation at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Kochi and Vibrant Gujarat in Ahmedabad.

Minister Jason Kenney greets High Commissioner Nirmal Verma

Canada has opened up new consulate offices in India to increase its presence to be ahead in the race in utilising the ever-expanding markets in India and moving beyond diplomatic niceties to real concrete deliverables.

He quoted the Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Narinder Modi, “I would never forget that Canada was here first, and Canada is very strong and special friend of Gujarat.”

Minister Kenney said this statement reflected the importance of Canada in developing the economic relationship with India. Canada-India relations are guided by commonality of values and interest, democracy, English speaking population, common rule of law and commonwealth country that shared the human bridge of 1.2 million Canadians of Indian origin.

Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports lauded ICCC for its successful India Trade Mission 2013 for promoting the Canada India economic relations. “The Chamber is a true representative of the Indo-Canadian business community as well as the Indian Diaspora in Canada, and it has served its constituents with dedication and sincerity,” Minister Gosal said.

Her Worship Susan Fennell, Brampton’s Mayor, praised ICCC for including the City of Brampton to its India Trade Mission 2013. She said the initiative taken by the third tier of the government – the cities such as Brampton – to build trade ties with India is a necessary step to bring to fruition the two-way trade targets envisaged by the two governments.

The Mayor underlined the expertise developed by her city in spheres such as waste management, power, water purification, food processing and packaging in which Indian cities can collaborate with Brampton and benefit.