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  • ICCC-India Mission 2014: Business Reception at Canadian High Commissioner's residence - 07-01-14

    07 Jan 2014 7:00 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC-India Mission 2014

     Delhi - January 7

     Business reception at Canadian High Commissioner's residence


    Ministers Bal Gosal & Tim Uppal with ICCC President Naval Bajaj,
    High Commissioner Stewart Beck & Senator Dr. Asha Seth, holding Prime Minister Stephen Harper's special greetings to ICCC's India Mission

    His Excellency Stewart Beck, the High Commissioner of Canada to India, hosted a reception for the delegates of India Mission 2014 on January 7 evening at his official residence. A number of dignitaries, including the diplomatic corps from the Canadian High Commission, ministers from the Canadian federal government, Senators and Members of Parliament attended the reception.

    Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner lauded the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s (ICCC) efforts to foster the trade between Canada and India. He emphasized on the qualitative change that had occurred in the orientation of the Chamber’s focus in recent years. This change, he asserted, was helping trade promotion between Canada and India. He also made a special mention of the proactive role the Chamber is playing in promoting brand Canada in India.

    The High Commissioner also emphasized the new and emerging dimensions to the Canada-India trade. While earlier Canada focussed on the small projects, the recent trend has been to look keenly at mega projects including in the oil and gas sector.

    Naval Bajaj, President of ICCC, lauded the High Commissioner for his proactive role in promoting bilateral relations. Speaking about the status of the bilateral ties, Bajaj said, “The relations between Canada and India have moved to an altogether different level of cooperation during the last couple of years. The developments of the last five years have been nothing short of epochal in the history of bilateral relations between our two democracies. Our Chamber has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries.”

    Bajaj said in the future, the ICCC would be focussing upon researching fundamental aspects of trade, and creating opportunities for the small businesses through the centre for excellence that the Chamber was proposing to launch.

    Ministers Hon. Bal Gosal and Hon. Tim Uppal also spoke highly of the role the ICCC has been playing in nurturing the trade and economic relations between the two countries. Hon. Tim Uppal read the Prime Minister’s greetings.

    Prime Minister Harper's message

    In his message, Prime Minister Hon. Stephen Harper, said, "Our Government has been proud to make the Canada-India relationship a priority. We value the special bond between our countries, which is strengthened by our Indian diaspora of more than one million. Dynamic business and community leaders are forging a deeper Canada-India connection with each passing year."

    Lauding the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce for its role in fostering bilateral trade ties, Prime Minister Harper said, "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the ICCC for leading this important initiative. I salute members of the delegation and all the government and business leaders hosting them, for your contributions to Canada-India relations."

    Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, also spoke about the positive contributions made by the ICCC in reaching out to different states in India and jointly exploring economic opportunities.

     
    Naval Bajaj delivering his remarks

     
    Minister Hon. Bal Gosal delivering his remarks


    Minister Hon. Tim Uppal delivering his remarks

    Guests at the reception included, among others, Jaya and Vasu Chanchlani

  • ICCC-India Mission 2014: Canada-India collaboration in agriculture and agri-foods 07-01-14

    07 Jan 2014 10:00 AM | Anonymous

    ICCC-India Mission 2014

     Delhi - January 7

    Conference on Canada-India collaboration in infrastructure,

     cold chains, agriculture & agri-foods


    Naval Bajaj speaking at the conference

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) in collaboration with the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized a bilateral conference on collaboration in infrastructure, cold chains, agriculture and agri-foods at the PHD House in Delhi on January 7.

    The conference was attended from the Canadian side by Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports; Hon. Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism; Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Senate of Canada; Hon. Joe Daniel, Member of Parliament; His Excellency Stewart Beck, High Commissioner of Canada to India; Mr. Ray Chan, Investment Attraction Manager, India and South Asia, Government of Saskatchewan; Mr. Sohail Saeed, Director, Business Development, City of Brampton.

    From the Indian side, the participants included Dinesh Rai, chairman, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority; Pawanexh Kohli, Chief Advisor National Centre for Cold Chain Development; Kunal Agrawal Director Bratlle foods; Vinod Asthana, MD, Central Railside Warehouse Company, Government of India; SK Sharma, Managing Director, Global Agri Systems.

    Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC; Nadira Hamid, CEO, ICBC and Sharad Jaipuria, President PHDCCI represented the host organizations of the conference.


    PHDCCI's Sharad Jaipuria felicitating Minister Hon. Bal Gosal

    The inaugural session of the conference was on Canadian and Indian governent’s role in promoting agriculture trade. Speakers at the session on emphasized on the growing significance of the agriculture and the agri-food sectors to the bilateral trade, and the measures that both the governments have undertaken to promote and enhance trade. The bilateral trade in the sector is estimated to be over 583 million Canadian dollars

    The main component of the bilateral trade comprises India’s import of food grains – peas and lentils. Canada supplies around 50% of India's pulse needs and is the largest supplier of yellow peas; and potential of the food processing and the cold chain sectors in India, and the opportunities available for the Canadian investors in these sectors.


    Minister Hon. Tim Uppal speaking at the conference

    Among the points that emerged during the discussion were:

    • More focus on agriculture and especially food processing and cold chain management
    • Tremendous growth potential especially considering bilateral trade target of $15b is to be achieved within the next couple of years
    • While technology transfer has limited applicability given the differences in the farm sizes, the non-traditional subsectors will gain prominence
    • Trade should be enhanced through the Canadian Trade Commissioner’s Services even while CEPA is being negotiated
    • Food retail as a sector has immense growth potential in Canada
    • In India, food processing industry ranks fifth in terms of production, growth, consumption, and export, and accounts for 19% of India’s industrial workforce
    • The sector’s total output stood at US $93.1b in 2010, it accounted for nearly 7.5% of aggregate gross value added of major industries during that year

    Senator Hon. Dr. Asha Seth addressing the conference


    MP Hon. Joe Daniel speaking at the conference

    In the Panel Discussion 1 on Regulatory aspects of agriculture trade, the participants discussed the bottlenecks that India is facing in developing the sector and how the regulatory mechanism is being used to promote the food processing and the cold chain sectors.

    The Panel 2 discussion on the new directions in cold chain and food distribution system threw up the following ideas on the promotion of the subject

    • Scope for developing the entire chain – not just piecemeal
    • Storage is just one aspect of the chain
    • Different states in India have different levels of opportunities; each state requires a different strategy
    • Tremendous opportunities in the Indian Railways sector
    • Growing opportunities in agriculture technology, including dry-land farming, injection of seeds in the land, so that the moisture is not lost in ploughing the land

  • ICCC-India Mission 2014: Akhilesh Yadav to lead trade delegation to Canada in June - 06-01-14

    06 Jan 2014 10:00 AM | Anonymous

    ICCC-India Mission 2014

     Lucknow - January 6

    Akhilesh Yadav to lead trade delegation to Canada in June 2014


    Naval Bajaj with Akhilesh Yadav

    Hon. Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, announced that he will be leading a business and trade delegation to Canada in June 2014. He was speaking at the conference Canada-Uttar Pradesh conference on Exploring Opportunities Beyond Borders organized by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), the office of Senator Dr. Asha Seth, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh on January 6 in the Uttar Pradesh’s capital city Lucknow.


    Members of the ICCC delegation at the conference

    The conference explored possibilities of collaboration between Canada and Uttar Pradesh in agriculture, food processing, energy, infrastructure among other sectors. The day’s events included a luncheon reception for the Canadian delegation with the Chief Minister and his team, the conference and an evening dinner reception.

    Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has a huge potential in agriculture and food processing as 65% of the state’s population was engaged in the agriculture sector. He said that Canada would provide technical knowhow to Uttar Pradesh on post-harvest technology.

    Naval Bajaj, Dr. Asha Seth with Akhilesh Yadav

    Senator Dr. Asha Seth, who had played a crucial role in the organizing the Lucknow visit of the Canadian delegation, his her speech said, “I hail from Uttar Pradesh, and I have immense interest in developing closer cooperation between Canada and Uttar Pradesh.”

    VI (Lucky) Lakshmanan, the President of Canada-India Foundation, and a technocrat of repute, advised that Uttar Pradesh should look to Canada to develop its base in alternate energy. Canada’s low-cost, high technology knowhow in alternate energy could easily benefit regions such as Uttar Pradesh that have abundant natural resources but face a financial challenge, he said.


    Canadian delegates at the dinner reception

    Javed Usmani, the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, and Alok Ranjan, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner, also spoke on the occasion. Among the Canadian speakers were Sohail Saeed, Director, Economic Development, Brampton; Ray Chan, Investment Attraction Manager, India and South Asia, Government of Saskatchewan.  

  • ICCC - WEP: Mind & Body Workshop - 12-12-13

    12 Dec 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous

      ICCC-WEP
    Mind and Body Workshop & Networking

     Part of ICCC-Diageo series of workshops specially designed for women

     

     Participants at the workshop

    The Women Entrepreneurs and professionals (WEP) Committee of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) organized a Mind and Body Workshop and Networking program under the aegis of the ICCC-Diageo special series on women on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Mississauga.

    Ginni Sethi, Mini Khurana, Ravi Malhi & Shibaney Sahney
    WEP Managing Committee Members
    with Rajni Tekriwal, ICCC's Corporate Secretary & Director

    The event provided a glorious opportunity to the members of the WEP committee to network and gain insights into dealing with every day issues that they encounter in their busy lives. Women today are more active than ever before, and are equal to men in every respect professionally and personally. However, this equality has been hard won and often takes its toll on women both physically and emotionally.

     

     Rajni Tekriwal, ICCC's Corporate Secretary & Director

    The WEP committee, in planning the workshop, had taken cognisance of this growing phenomenon among women, and especially among immigrant women, who face more challenges because of the traditional environment within which they operate as professionals and as entrepreneurs. That they succeed even in face of such daunting challenges is in itself a laudatory achievement.

     

     Ravi Malhi, Chair of WEP (second from right) with the speakers

    It was not surprising that WEP’s Mind and Body Workshop and Networking program witnessed participation from a number of women, both members and non-members of the ICCC. The core members of the committee – Ravi Malhi, Mini Khurana, Ginni Sethi, and Shibani Sahney – had worked assiduously to formulate a program to make it meaningful as well as entertaining.

     

     Nishtha Kapur making her presentation on Stress Management

    After a prolonged networking and dinner, the formal session was launched by Rajni Tekriwal, ICCC’s Corporate Secretary and Director. She welcomed guests to the event and emphasized that the Chamber’s focus with the WEP committee is to engage Canadian women of Indian origin into programs that resonate with their lives. Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, spoke briefly about the Chamber’s upcoming India Mission 2014.

     

     

     Huda Rashid, making her presentation on healthy dietary habits

    After the formal speeches, Huda Rashid, a dietician made a presentation on healthy dietary habits. She explained the significance of maintaining a healthy diet for women. Rashid showed the linkage between diet and health, and how diet actually affects both mind and body. Her presentation was followed by a spirited Q&A session.

     

     Sunita Mohan giving advice on weight management found in Ayurveda

    Dr. Nishtha Kapur, the next speaker, then made her presentation on stress management, and gave simple solutions to containing stress by calibrating work-life balance. She iterated the need to simplify lifestyle and the necessity to maintain a strict vigil over one’s work as well as lifestyle. Once again, her presentation was followed by a spirited Q&A session.

    Finally, Ravi Malhi, Chair of the WEP committee, introduced Sunita Mohan, the final speaker for the evening. Sunita Mohan had on an earlier occasion addressed the members of the ICCC at an event jointly organized by ICCC and South Asian Professionals Network for Health Awareness (SAPNA). Sunita revealed secrets of weight loss that are available in Ayurveda. Her presentation was also followed by a Q&A.

    Photographs by Reena Deon

  • ICCC-SME: Succession Planning - 11-12-13

    11 Dec 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC-SME: Succession Planning
    Part of ICCC-RBC Royal Bank Knowledge Series on Small Businesses
     
     

    The Small and Medium Enterprise Committee of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce organized a speaker series on Succession Planning. The speakers included Larry S. Rudner, CPA, CA; and Leigh Somerville Taylor, BA Hons JD, Principal, LST Tax Law. A part of ICCC-RBC Royal Bank small business series, the event, held in Brampton, witnessed enthusiastic participation from professionals and entrepreneurs.
     
     Larry S. Rudner

    Brij Sharma, Director, Trade, SME and Sponsorship, ICCC , introduced the evening by emphasizing the need for all businesses to think seriously about succession planning. Sunil Heda, investment advisor with the RBC Royal Bank, introduced the speakers for the evening.
     
     Leigh Somerville Taylor

    During his presentation, which dealt with all aspects of succession planning, Larry S. Rudner, asked a rhetorical question: “When does Planning and Preparation for the exit succession start?” Answering the question himself, he said, “Succession planning should commence even before you start your business.”
     
     Brij K. Sharma, ICCC's Director for Trade, SME & Sponsorship

    Leigh Somerville discussed the taxation implication of the process of success planning. These sessions were followed by a lengthy Q&A where participants sought explanations to the processes involved in succession.

    Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, presented the speakers with mementos and proposed a vote of thanks.
     
     The members of the audience
     
     
     The members of the audience

  • ICCC - The India-Israel Opportunity - 05-12-13

    05 Dec 2013 8:00 AM | Anonymous


    On Wednesday November 27th, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce in association with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Canada Israel Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Markham held a business breakfast at the Hilton Markham.

    The morning opened with remarks from the Consul General of Israel DJ Schneeweiss, Consul General of India Akhilesh Mishra, and His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham. 

    Consul Generals emphasized the unique and growing relations between Israel and India across a number of sectors, including research and development, water and energy collaborations, military and security cooperation, educational and academic partnerships, growing tourism from both countries, and much more.  The mayor has participated in both Indian and Israeli trade missions, and sees Markham as uniquely situated as a hub for partnership between Canada, Israel and India given the demographics of the city.

    The event featured Noam Ben Ozer, CEO and Founder, and Anchit Gupta, Director of Business Development, from Focal Energy, a clean-tech Israeli company with all of its operations in India.  They spoke to the challenging, but rewarding, experience of commencing business in India. 

    Gupta stated “Renewable energy in India is not implemented because it’s a desirable option, but because it is a necessity.  It is the only way to meet the growing energy needs of the population.” 

    Ben Ozer spoke to some of the reasons why Focal Energy has been successful, where so many other companies with more capital have failed.  He identified their conservative approach to growth and development, and their investment in a qualified management team based locally, as well as their strong relationships with local small-scale suppliers. 

    The event “The India Israel Opportunity” was at capacity with close to 70 people in attendance, with an audience of primarily business leadership in the India, Jewish and Israeli communities.  Other partners in the event included the Israel Economic Mission to Canada, the Rajasthan Association of North America, and Walter Arbib and Surjit Babra of Skylink Group.

  • ICCC - First Day First Show - Winter Gala 2013 - 29-11-13

    29 Nov 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC's Winter Gala 2013
     
    First Day
     First Show

    Nothing captures the imagination of people of Indian origin globally as cinema does. The medium has given us stars we love, movies that we remember, and unforgettable songs. While Indian cinema’s popularity amongst all sections of the Indian society at home and abroad is all-pervasive, its contribution to India’s growing influence worldwide is also increasingly evident.


    (l to r): ICCC President Naval Bajaj, Minister Hon. Bal Gosal, Consul General Akhilesh Mishra,
    Eros International CEO & President Ken Naz,
    Chanchlani Foundation Founder Vasu Chanchlani and Mrs. Chanchlani
     

     Performers at the Winter Gala 2013

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce celebrated a century of Indian cinema with its theme of First Day, First Show. In keeping with the theme, over 600 guests that comprised the who’s who of the Indo-Canadian community and a number of dignitaries were treated to a veritable feast of Bollywood masala that included songs and dances, re-enactments of memorable scenes from iconic movies.
     
     
     Consul General Akhilesh Mishra delivering his remarks

    And what has now become a hallmark of any ICCC event, the Winter Gala had an inexhaustible supply of sumptuous and delectable gastronomical delights that included the wok food of Mumbai’s streets, Italian and Chinese cuisines and the earthy home food of Punjab. The Host restaurant had prepared the food. The decor featured a Bollywood Wall in the lobby of the Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton, designed for guests to take pictures at, and was well received by one and all. 
     
     
     Performers at the Winter Gala 2013

    Dignitaries at the event included several prominent political leaders such as Brampton’s Mayor Susan Fennell and a number of MPs, MPPs, and councillors from Brampton, Mississauga and other parts of the GTA. India’s Consul General Akhilesh Mishra was the guest of honour at the Gala, and he regaled the audience with his anecdotal speech, peppered with poetry.
     
     
     ICCC President Naval Bajaj addressing the audience

    The entertainment also featured stand-up comedy interludes by Ali Hasan, the popular South Asian comedian. His unique sense of humor and topical wit had the audience in splits and rolling down the aisles. The emcees for the evening, Francis D’Souza and Tammie Sutherland did a marvellous job of engaging the audience throughout the evening.
     
       
     ICCC VP & Director
    Jagdish Bajaj
    		  ICCC VPs & Directors
    (second from left): Tony Chawla
    DP Jain & Rajni Tekriwal

    The highlight of the evening, of course, was the ICCC-Chanchlani Global Indian Cinema Award. When ICCC and CF joined hands to honour an eminent entity from the Indian entertainment sector for its maiden award, there was a quick unanimity on Eros International Ltd. The company occupies a unique place in the global entertainment sector. Ken Naz, President & CEO of Eros America accepted the award on behalf of Eros International. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Naz emphasized the vital role that entertainment played in bringing our two countries closer together than ever before.

    At the end of the proceedings, guests enjoyed surprise song performances by our very own Jagdish Bajaj, ICCC’s Vice President and Director, Programs & Events, who captivated the audience with his melodious voice.

    The Winter Gala - popularly known as the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)’s Annual Holiday Dinner & Dance - is one of the Chamber’s marquee event and one of the most popular Indo-Canadian community events in the Greater Toronto Area.
    A glimpse of our past Winter Galas

    In 2012, we celebrated our stars by honouring them. The theme was Recognizing Our Stars, and the Chamber bestowed the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals to individuals who made a sterling contribution to the ICCC and to the Indo-Canadian community.

    In 2011, the theme was Indian Railways – nothing exemplifies connectivity and linkages better than the Indian Railways. We recreated a Railway Station – replete with all the paraphernalia that is the quintessence of a station.

    In 2010, we brought alive the bygone era of 1970s with the theme of Bollywood Rewind. The venue was draped with giant-sized billboards and movie posters, several screens played songs from that era; a real-life studio camera with the director’s chair gave our guests a feel of an era bygone but not forgotten.

    In 2009, we celebrated with the theme of Royal Maharaja Motif. The royal theme was reflected in the ornate décor of the venue to the breathtakingly intricate medieval clothes that the guests adorned, and the specially recreated cuisine made for an evening that even overawed our Chief Guest for the evening, Federal Minister Jason Kenny.

  • ICCC - Canada-India Film & Television Forum - 29-11-13

    29 Nov 2013 11:00 AM | Anonymous
    Canada-India Film & Television Forum
     Promoting Canada-India collaboration in film & television production
     
    Event sponsor

    The first-ever Canada-India Film & Television Forum organized by Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) was a stupendous success highlighting the need to have an on-going dialogue on the tremendous potential in collaboration between Canada and India in the entertainment sector.

    The theme for the forum was Promoting Canada-India Collaboration in Film & Television Production. Industry representatives from both the countries participated in the forum that explored the regulatory framework, the institutional avenues and support available to filmmakers here in Canada and in India and it was divided into two panel discussions.

     
     David Rocco, bestselling author & celebrity chef and producer of
    David Rocco's Dolce India

    David Rocco, the bestselling author and celebrity chef & producer of David Rocco’s Dolce India kicked off the proceedings with a riveting keynote address that symbolized the cooperation between Canada and India and resonated with audience because his India story transcended borders.

     Bollywood & Beyond panelist (l to r): Vinay Virmani, Madeline Ziniak,
    Ken Naz, Binoy Thomas, Hari Srinivas

    Moderated by Bobby Sahni, partner and co-founder of Ethnicity Multicultural Marketing, and with participation from industry heavyweight that included Vinay Virmani, film actor; Ken Naz, President & CEO, Eros International; Hari Srinivas, President, Ethnic Channels Group; Madeline Ziniak, National Vice President, Rogers Omni TV; and Binoy Thomas, Editor Weekly Voice; the panel that discussed Bollywood and Beyond highlighted the globalization of Indian entertainment industry and the power of Indian storytelling to reach out to non-traditional audiences.

    The panelists agreed that this new-found ability had found a new niche that while appealing to the Indian audiences had changed the content and made it Indian Diaspora centric. This has opened new avenues for Indo-Canadian talent in content creation.

     Partners in Success panelists (l to r): Raj Shoan, Kristine Murphy,
    Tracey Jennings, Randy McLean

    The second panel comprising Raj Shoan, Commissioner, CRTC Ontario; Tracey Jennings, Partner, PwC; Randy McLean, Acting Film Commissioner, City of Toronto; Kristine Murphy, Director, Industry Development, Ontario Media Development Corporation; and moderated by Kasi Rao, Vice President of Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada; discussed the nuts and bolts of the co-production treaty, the role of the regulatory authority, the tax credits and promotional measures by the province and the city in promoting the entertainment sector.

    The panelists pointed out that the heightened interest in Canada-India collaboration in the entertainment was despite the absence of a co-production treaty. The signing of the treaty would herald a new beginning.

    Moderators Kasi Rao & Bobby Sahni with ICCC President Naval Bajaj

    In Canada, the sector contributes over CA$20.4b to the national GDP, is a major exporter earner (CA$2,4b), and an important source of tax revenue for both federal (CA$2.8b) and provincial (CA$2.4b) governments. In addition, the sector generates over 200,000 jobs and CA$12.8b in labour income, and annually produces nearly CA$280m worth of computer animation and CA$435m worth of visual effects. Over CA$160m is the annual expenditure of Canadian film festivals.
     
     ICCC President Naval Bajaj presenting memento to Randy McLean of City Toronto, the official sponsor of the evening

    The Indian entertainment sector has enviable volume. India is the biggest movie ticket market in the world, with 3.3b tickets sold every year. India's movie industry is in transition from being a US$3.2b industry until two years ago, towards becoming a US$5b industry in the next two years. The sector industry in the country is poised to become a US$5b industry in the next two years and contributes about US$640m to the Indian economy annually. The combined sector (including music, television, radio, film) sector grew by 12.6% and has a CAGR of 15.2% to reach $26.7b by 2017.

  • ICCC - Quebec Council - Business reception in honour of Vayalar Ravi - 27-11-13

    27 Nov 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC's Quebec Council &
    India-Canada Association of Montreal
    hold business reception in honour of
    Minister Vayalar Ravi

    Interactive session and reception in the honor of Hon. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) and the India-Canada Association of Montreal Inc., jointly organized an interactive evening session to welcome and honor Hon. Valayar Ravi, India’s minster for overseas Indian affairs, on Wednesday, 27 November 2013.

    Several dignitaries including His Excellency Admiral Nirmal Varma, Indian High Commissioner; Mr. Naval Bajaj, President of ICCC; Dr. Rajesh Kumar Tyagi, Chair, Quebec chapter, ICCC;  Mr. C.B. Singh, President of India-Canada Association of Montreal Inc.; and Alan DeSousa, mayor of St-Laurent graced the occasion.

    The event began with a graceful dance performance by the well-renowned classical dancer following which all the noted dignitaries on stage addressed the audience present at the event.

    The honorable minister Mr. Vayalar Ravi emphasised on the prominence of the Indian diaspora in enabling the socio-economic development of India. He went on to urge the youngsters abroad to retain their “Indianness” and their affinity to India.

    He praised the work being done by associations like ICCC, which work towards promoting Indianness and also in helping India develop as a nation. He commended the Indian diaspora for their ability to adapt quickly to new environments and for being a part of success stories around the world. He said India is proud of its diaspora around the world, who he said “are flag bearers for India”. He then moved on to respond to questions from the audience.

    His Excellency Admiral Retd. Nirmal Varma commended Minister Ravi’s many important contributions made in the realm of Indian external affairs. He lauded the efforts of ICCC in engaging the Indian diaspora and facilitating bilateral ties between Canada and India along many frontiers.

    In his address, Mr. Naval Bajaj spoke about the constructive role that ICCC has been playing for the last 36 years in creating a right environment to foster bilateral ties between Canada and India, in the recognition of which the Government of India conferred the organization with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award; the highest honor given to an overseas Indian organization by the Government of India.

    Speaking about the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a three day festival that is annually celebrated to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa, he said, “Minister Ravi has been the heart and soul of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and has worked dedicatedly to turn the annual congregation of the Indian Diaspora into a platform for genuine interaction between the non-resident and resident Indians. Minister Ravi has transformed the event into a meaningful dialogue that is leading to many avenues being opened for the Indian Diaspora to contribute to India’s development”.

    Dr. Tyagi spoke about the India week celebration that is being planned to be held in Montreal in October 2014. He said that the event would not only focus on enhancing economic ties between Canada and India but also serve to further the cultural ties between the two countries. He mentioned that ICCC would partner with organization like UQAM and the Chanchalani foundation that are working actively towards making this event a reality.

    Mr. DeSousa welcomed the honorable minister and stressed on the significant contributions made by the South Asian community to the economic and cultural setup of Canada.

    The event concluded with dinner and a personal interaction of the all the dignitaries with the audience.

  • ICCC- YP: Chai with CEO - Noam Ben-Ozer & Anchit Gupta - 27-11-13

    27 Nov 2013 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    Chai with CEO with Noam Ben-Ozer & Anchit Gupta

    The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce Young Professional's and the Jewish Chamber of Commerce with CIJA came together for a young professionals networking night titled "India and Israel: Shared Values, Shared Future. 

    The event took place at the Marben Restaurant with the participation of Consul General of Israel DJ Schneeweiss and Consul General of India Akhilesh Mishra, and featured guest speakers Noam Ben-Ozer and Anchit Gupta of Focal Energy. 

    Focal Energy is an Israeli-Indian business initiative that creates renewable energy projects in different regions of India.  The speakers discussed the challenges of doing business across countries, and described from their perspective why they have been successful in a space where others have not. 

    The speakers explained the importance of conservative timelines and numbers when entering a risky and new industry, and the importance of investing in local expertise to navigate bureaucracy and build relationships. 

    Their presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A with attendees and networking. The attendees walked away with a great deal of understanding of the growing renewable energy sector in India and new partnerships with the Jewish Chamber of Commerce.

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