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Official sponsor of the project

A Roundtable on the theme: Future Agenda For Canada-India Partnership: Unlocking its full potential, sponsored by Shastri Indo-Canada Institute (SICI) in partnership with Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), was held at HEC Montréal on March 1, 2013.

At the round table SICI (www.sici.org) was represented by its President Dr. Ranbir Singh and the President-Elect Dr. Shanthi Johnson and ICCC (www.iccc.org) was represented by its President Naval Bajaj, who welcomed and thanked all other participants.  Secretary General, HEC Montréal Federico Pasin (www.hec.ca), delivered opening remarks.

Hon. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs was the guest of honour. Approximately 60 participants representing Quebec Government, DFAIT, the Indian diaspora, young business professionals, business owners, and members of the Global Business Forum, a newly established forum at HEC Montréal (www.hec.ca/gbf). The conference was bilingual and participants were free to express their views in both languages. The message received from the Deputy High Commissioner of India served as a useful backdrop for discussions among the participants.

A background note was made available to all roundtable participants. Roundtable format and subject matters are listed below: agriculture and food processing; higher education; innovation in energy, science and technology; small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and the bridge-building role of Indo-Canadians.

Two major points that emerged as crucial for advancing Canada-India Partnership were academia-industry-business interface and mobilisation of the Indian Diaspora resources and knowledge networks. The need for sustained actions in these two areas were highlighted by the participants. The term Indo-Québecer was used to emphasize the role of Indo-Canadians residing in Quebec or having links with Quebec as bridge builders.

A Joint Report in both languages is being prepared by SICI, ICCC and HEC Montreal and will be disseminated to all concerned opinion, policy and decision makers. 

French version:

Une table ronde sur le thème d’un Futur programme de partenariat Canada-Inde : Libérer son plein potentiel, parrainée par l’Institut Indo-Canadien Shastri (IICS) en partenariat avec la Chambre de commerce Indo-Canada (CCIC), a eu lieu à HEC Montréal le 1^er mars 2013. À cette table ronde, l’IICS (www.sici.org) était représentée par son Président Dr Ranbir Singh et la Présidente élue Dr Shanthi Johnson et la CCIC (www.iccc.org) par son Président Naval Bajaj. Ils ont souhaité la bienvenue et remercié tous les autres participants. Le Secrétaire général de HEC Montréal (www.hec.ca), M. Federico Pasin, a aussi fait le discours d’ouverture.  

L’Honorable Deepak Obhrai, secrétaire parlementaire du ministre des Affaires étrangères était l’invité d’honneur. Près de 60 participants représentant le Gouvernement du Québec, le Département des Affaires étrangères et Commerce international Canada, la diaspora indienne, de jeunes professionnels, des dirigeants d’entreprises et des membres du Forum des affaires mondiales, un nouveau forum à HEC Montréal (web.hec.ca/gbf), étaient présents. La table ronde était bilingue et les participants pouvaient s’exprimer autant en français qu’en anglais. Le message du Haut commissionnaire adjoint de l’Inde a servi à alimenter la discussion parmi les participants.

Des notes d’informations ont été mises à la disposition des participants de la table ronde. Les thèmes qui ont été abordés sont les suivants : l’agriculture et la transformation alimentaire, l’enseignement supérieur, l’innovation en matière de l’énergie, de la science et de la technologie; les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) et le rôle des Indo-Canadiens dans le développement de partenariats.

Deux points majeurs sont ressortis comme cruciaux à la table ronde pour faire avancer les partenariats Canada-Inde, soit l’interface universités-industries-entreprises et la mobilisation des ressources de la diaspora indienne et de leurs réseaux d’information. La nécessité d’entreprendre des actions concrètes dans ces deux sphères a été soulignée par les participants. Par ailleurs, le terme Indo-Québécois a été utilisé pour mettre l’emphase sur le rôle des Indo-Canadiens résidant au Québec ou ayant des liens avec le Québec dans le développement de partenariats entre le Québec et l’Inde.

Mayor Fennell launches India Mission 2013 report

 

Mayor Susan Fennell of Brampton launched Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s India Mission 2013 report last evening at a ceremony held inside Brampton’s City Hall.

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Download the report from this link: India Mission 2013

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Brampton’s Councillor Gael Miles and Vic Dhillon along with members of the city’s economic development department participated in the event along with members of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) and India Mission 2013 delegates.

Lauding the exemplary lead that ICCC has taken in giving a concrete dimension to enhancing bilateral trade between Canada and India, Mayor Fennell said, “The two-way trade will grow from $5billion to $15billion when businesses in both the country form linkages. India Mission 2013 helped in establishing such a link.”

During the India Mission 2013, the team from Brampton had nearly 40 meetings in eight cities. Recounting her experiences during the two-week trip to India as part of the India Mission 2013, Mayor Fennell said through ICCC the City of Brampton got the best possible introduction to India. “We had access to important decision makers from the world of business and politics which wouldn’t have been possible without ICCC.”

Echoing the Mayor’s sentiments, Councillor Miles said the mission helped Brampton raise its profile in the right quarters. “The visit will open doors for future collaborations between Brampton-based small businesses and their Indian counterparts,” she said.

Councillor Vic Dhillon also said that a number of deals are expected to be finalized as a result of the mission but because of the confidentiality clause these couldn’t be disclosed to the public.

Speaking on the occasion Naval Bajaj highlighted the achievements of the mission. “With more than a hundred small businesses joining the mission, it was the largest trade mission to India in ICCC’s 35 year history,” he said, adding, “This was the first time that two cities – Brampton and Markham – joined the mission.”

Naval Bajaj said through the mission, ICCC helped in creating awareness about Brand India amongst the hundred Canadian companies who participated in the mission, simultaneously, the presence of Canadian companies in India and their interaction with Indian small businesses directly helped in enhancing awareness of Brand Canada in India.

He said, “The mission successfully connected Canadian small businesses to Indian economic organizations with significant representation in the SME sector and highlighted a growing interest in Canada amongst these groups, and provided to the delegates crucial forums for engaging with Indian policymakers, business community, media and globally-minded advocacy groups.”

Sanjay Makkar, ICCC’s Vice President and Director, Affinity Programs, and Satish Thakkar, ICCC’s Immediate Past President also spoke on the occasion.

ICCC - Hon Bal Gosal holds pre budget consultation with ICCC members - 15-02-13

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) are economic engines of our country, Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports said in his remarks during a pre-budget consultation roundtable with the members of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) on 15 February, 2013.

Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports and ICCC President Naval Bajaj with other ICCC members

The Economic Action Plan 2013 will be presented in the House of Commons in March, 2013. It will focus on diversifying trade to new geographies.

The budget consultations aimed to find out means to strengthen the Canadian economy in the face of global economic threats, solidify economic recovery, find efficient and effective ways to spending and encourage private sector growth and leadership in the economy.

Minister Gosal explained, “Economic challenges in European Union and USA affected the Canadian economy but despite global recession Canadian economy succeeded in generating more than 900,000 jobs and performed best among the G-7 countries.”

Giving information about the trends in the Canadian economy, the Minister said, “The commodity prices in Canada remains stable due to our vast natural resources and sound economic policies.”

The current trade with India is around US$5.2 billion and is expected to rise to US$15 billion by the year 2015.  The Minister was keen to leverage Canada India partnership in the small sector in the high tech sector to compete in the international market.

ICCC members at the pre-budget consultations with Minister Bal Gosal

Speaking on the occasion Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, stated the chamber’s initiative during the India Mission 2013 to build Brand Canada in India and promoting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.

He suggested that special economic regions should be created to give more incentives by government to manufacturing sector for attracting investment.  Informing the Minister of ICCC’s India Mission 2013, Naval Bajaj said the Mission was the largest in the Chamber’s history and comprised over a hundred Canadian small businesses along with Mayors of Brampton and Markham.

“The purpose of the mission was to help small businesses forge links with the Indian companies,” he said.

The mission also educated Indian businesses of investment opportunities in Canada in food processing, energy, SME, education, skill development, aerospace, mining and infrastructure.

Participants at the roundtable made a series of recommendations some of which included the following.

• Tax relief for job creating SMEs should continue in the economic action plan 2013.
• Awareness programs for the SMEs to develop export oriented products and help them in finding new consumers in the international market.
• Infrastructure of big projects should be developed which added value to the money invested.
• Direct non-stop Air Canada flight to any Indian city for promoting tourism.
• Motivating the investors to invest in Canada
• Cut down the red tape for speedy clearance of loans for the businesses.
• Promotion of Canada as a shooting destination for the film industry as Canada is rich in natural beauty.
• Direct trade of rough diamonds with India as Canada is the largest exporter and India is largest exporter of finished diamonds.
• Special budgetary provisions for promoting the Canadian brands in the international market.
• Investment in the innovation centres for developing new technologies.

Guest Column

Why Canada and India are natural business partners

NAVAL BAJAJ

The Globe and Mail

More than 100 small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners visited Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, New Delhi, Amritsar and Jalandhar in January.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) headed the trade mission, which providing an opportunity to Canadian small businesses to explore the Indian market. Delegates actively participated in the Business Leaders’ Summit in Mumbai, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Kochi, and the Vibrant Gujarat Convention in Gandhinagar, where Canada was declared the partner country and ICCC was the partner organization.

The presence of a Canadian government delegation, led by Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, reflected its priority to promote business relations with India. The mayors from two municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area – Susan Fennell of Brampton and Frank Scarpitti of Markham – along with their economic development departments, also joined the India Mission 2013.

The delegation focused on food processing, hospitality, travel and tourism, construction and development, information technology, and the service sector.

It is meaningful that relations between Canada and India have moved to a new level of co-operation in the past couple of years, including a visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in November, 2012. The SMB sector is an important factor in this growth.

ICCC has a vested interest in promoting the role of SMBs in bilateral economic relations between Canada and India. Over the years, the chamber has provided valuable networking opportunities to interested businesses from India and it organizes more than 80 annual events across Canada. The 35-year-old Toronto-based organization is the largest institution with membership comprised of Canadians of Indian origin.

In Canada, SMBs account for 45 per cent of GDP, 75 per cent of net employment growth, and 60 per cent of all jobs, with a commanding share of exports in agriculture, forestry, transportation, and construction – at present these are largely directed to the region covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). SMB figures from India are equally impressive, accounting for 20 per cent of India's GDP, 65 million jobs and 45 per cent of manufacturing and exports.

While corporations are experiencing downturns in the current economic conditions, SMBs have displayed exceptional resistance, stabilizing employment and income levels. The success of corporations is often dependent on SMBs. They are important contributors to the economy and they must continue to take their financial place – they are the most significant solution to economic challenges.

It is easy to launch a new business in Canada, and its provinces have shown great interest in Indian investment and vice-versa. Canada is known as one of the best places to do business in the G7, because of its tremendous working conditions, high standard of living, skilled work force, and world-class health facilities. Moreover, the country boasts industry that is networked with educational institutes; it is advanced in manufacturing and food processing; it has expertise in aerospace, automotive industries, clean technology, digital media, IT, nanotechnology, life sciences, material research, mining and biotechnology; and it is a multicultural society with a rule of law and democratic practices supported by a robust banking system.

Small businesses have limited resources to operate in the global market. ICCC is committed to assisting them with networking opportunities and providing them with a platform to enter the Indian market. The trade mission in January facilitated connections between Canadian delegates and Indian economic organizations with significant representation in the SMB sector.

India Mission 2013 delegates also benefited from interactive sessions with business leaders, political leaders and senior government officials who are directly involved with the promotion of trade ties with Canada. These connections are crucial for the expansion of Canadian SMBs into the Indian market – Canada and India are natural partners for innovative projects.

SMBs continue to play a significant role in taking Canada-India relations to a new level with consultation, co-ordination, joint projects, joint ventures and joint research.

Naval Bajaj is the president of the  Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce(ICCC).

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/going-global/why-canada-and-india-are-natural-business-partners/article8509307/

Particiapants at Young Professionals committee networking meeting 

The ICCC Young Professionals committee started off the New Year with a fun and entertaining networking event on January 29th, 2013. The event was organized at Dazzling, a resto-bar in Toronto's downtown neighbourhood. The purpose of the event was to make new friends and strengthen and rekindle previously-made connections.

Despite the inclement weather, the event saw a tremendous turnout. Akanksha Paliwal, the Marketing Lead for Young Professionals committee launched the evening by introducing ICCC and YP. She highlighted the core objectives of the committee - to promote community-building between South Asian entrepreneurs and young professionals and to foster new opportunities. Poorva Dutt, Communications Lead for ICCC-YP also addressed the crowd and spoke about the relevance of networking in a professional's or an entrepreneur's personal and professional life.

Following the introductions, the event's attendees were divided into groups of six for an icebreaker activity. Though this was a timed exercise, the activity was a huge success as it allowed attendees to get comfortable and learn something unique about each other.

The event lasted about three hours - and members benefited both by establishing new connections and reviving old ones. For more details pertaining to this event, please visit ICCC-YP's Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/ICCCYoungProfessionals

ICCC's welcome reception

For

His Excellency Admiral (Retd.) Nirmal Verma

India's High Commissioner to Canada

ICCC President Naval Bajaj (l) with Consul General of India in Toronto Preeti Saran (c) & High Commissioner of India in Canada His Excellency Admiral (Retd) Nirmal Verma

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.    ICCC Board with Minister Bal Gosal, High Commissioner Nirmal Verma, Senator Dr. Asha Seth, Mayor Susan Fennell, & Consul General Preeti Saran 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.      High Commissioner Verma & Consul General Saran with guests at the reception 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.    Consul General Saran, Minister Kenney, High Commissioner Verma, ICCC President Bajaj. Senator Dr. Seth & Brampton Mayor Fennell are standing 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. Ms. Preeti Saran, Consul General of India in Toronto valued the Chamber and its association with the Consulate office. She admired the chamber’s initiative of taking India Trade Mission every year during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to represent Canada.

Canadian government’s Economic Action Plan 2013 will focus on four major areas of infrastructure, education, food security and energy in promoting its relations with India, announced Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Asia Pacific Gateway during a pre-budget consultation roundtable with the members of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) on 22 January, 2013. The Economic Action Plan 2013 will be presented in the House of Commons in March, 2013.

ICCC President Naval Bajaj, Hon. Minister Ed Fast, Hon. Minister Gosal with Satish Thakkar, ICCC's Immediate Past President

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Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports, Mr Brad Butt, Member of Parliament from Mississauga Streetsville, Mr Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament from Macleod, Mr Merv Tweed Member of Parliament from Brandon Souris, Manitoba and Mr. Satish Thakkar, immediate past president ICCC were also present on the occasion.

Minister Ed Fast added “Trade is most critical driver of prosperity not only for India but also for Canada.” He acknowledged the ICCC efforts in building Brand Canada in India and appreciated India Mission 2013 initiative to foster trade ties.

Giving information about the on-going trade talks between Canada and India, the Minister said, “There are around 500 Canadian companies working in India and more would start their operations after the CEPA implementation. CEPA will help in removing the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.” 

The current trade with India is around US$ 5.2 billion and it will go up to US$ 15 billion by the year 2015.  The Minister was keen to leverage Canada India partnership at the higher level to understand what needs to improve and explore new areas in relations to India.

Mr. Naval Bajaj, ICCC President, Hon. Minister Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Asia Pacific Gateway, Hon Minister Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports and Mr. Satish Thakkar, Immediate Past President, ICCC.

Hon. Minister Ed Fast with ICCC board members

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Speaking on the occasion Mr. Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC stated the chamber’s initiative during the India Mission 2013 to build Brand Canada in India and promoting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. ICCC led over a hundred small businesses to help them forge links with the Indian stakeholders. The small sector continues to be a major source of employment for new immigrants in Canada and there should be more incentive for the sector so it can be promoted to support the Canadian economy. He also advised the Minister to have a ‘Year of Canada in India’ with more business accent.

Participants at the roundtable made a series of recommendations some of which included the following.

• SMEs are major source of employment generation so more incentives for the sector especially whose turnover is less than $ 1 million.
• Direct non-stop Air Canada flight to any Indian city for smooth flow of people.
• Amortization period should be increased from 25 years to 30-35 years as the new home buyers have restricted funding and resources.
• Reforms in tax sector to get more investment from India.
• Emphasis on skilled worker program in the education sector to help Canada as there is going to be a great shortage in the future.
• Special funds for research and development in SMEs to make them export readiness.

ICCC’s six-city India Mission 2013

Report and photographs on Jalandhar programs

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)’s India Mission 2013 came to a successful conclusion in Amritsar January 16. The mission had left Toronto for India on January 03. During the two-week program, the Mission visited Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, Delhi, Jalandhar and Amritsar. Led by ICCC’s President Naval Bajaj, the India Mission 2013 comprised over a 100 small businesses from Canada and also included a team from the Cities of Brampton and Markham led by their respective mayors – Her Worship Susan Fennell (Brampton) and His Worship Frank Scarpitti (Markham).

Participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi and Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhinagar were the highlights of the Mission. After a whirlwind tour of six cities, the mission finally reached Punjab on January 15. ICCC’s India Mission 2013 received unprecedented backing from Canada’s federal government when Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, went participated in the PBD-India in Kochi and Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhinagar to support the trade mission. Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Hon. Joe Daniel, Member of Parliament, participated in the global convention of the Indian Diaspora in Kochi and Hon. Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament and Chair of Canada-India Parliamentary Association participated in the global business summit in Gandhinagar.

Traditional welcome in Jalandhar

ICCC delegation visited Jalandhar for a day where Mayor of Jalandhar Sunil Kumar Jyoti and the councillors of Jalandhar’s municipal corporation received the delegates and accompanied them to the hotel where the Mayor of Brampton Her Worship Susan Fennell was welcomed in a traditional way by Bhangra dancers.

ICCC President Naval Bajaj (l) greeting Mayor of Jalandhar Sunil Kumar Jyoti (c) as Mayor of Brampton Her Worship Susan Fennell (r) looks on

India Mission 2013 delegates with Jalandhar Municipal Corporation officials

The Mayors of Jalandhar and Brampton discussed matters of civic interest such as waste management, environment protection, water conservation and community engagement. The municipal officials of Jalandhar along with their councilors and the team from Brampton participated in the meeting. During the meeting, the Mayor of Jalandhar was invited to bring a delegation of small businesses to Brampton.

The ICCC's India Mission 2013 delegates also met with local entrepreneurs from the small and medium sector. The delegates and Jalandhar's small business owners discussed opportunities of collaboration as well as creating a framework for exchanging information that would help the small sector in Jalandhar. ICCC will be looking at formulating an institutional framework with other small business organizations in India to facilitate such an exchange.

Meeting with Gurdas Mann

Subsequently, the India Mission 2013 delegation also had a special meeting with Gurdas Mann, the Punjabi singer, songwriter, choreographer and actor. Mann has extensively toured Canada on several occasions and has a considerable fan following here, especially in Brampton.

Punjabi actor and singer Gurdas Mann (c) with ICCC's Naval Bajaj (l) & Brampton's Mayor Susan Fennell (r) The popular singer was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Brampton by Mayor Susan Fennell during the visit. Mann will advocate for Brampton's unique attributes across Punjab and will especially focus on the advantages that Brampton offers as an investment destination. He will help create awareness and promote the small business sector as well.

ICCC India Mission 2013 delegates with Gurdas Mann

ICCC’s six-city India Mission 2013

Report and photographs on Amritsar programs

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)’s India Mission 2013 came to a successful conclusion in Amritsar January 16. The mission had left Toronto for India on January 03. During the two-week program, the Mission visited Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, Delhi, Jalandhar and Amritsar. Led by ICCC’s President Naval Bajaj, the India Mission 2013 comprised over a 100 small businesses from Canada and also included a team from the Cities of Brampton and Markham led by their respective mayors – Her Worship Susan Fennell (Brampton) and His Worship Frank Scarpitti (Markham).

Participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi and Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhinagar were the highlights of the Mission. After a whirlwind tour of six cities, the mission finally reached Punjab on January 15. ICCC’s India Mission 2013 received unprecedented backing from Canada’s federal government when Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, went participated in the PBD-India in Kochi and Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhinagar to support the trade mission. Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Hon. Joe Daniel, Member of Parliament, participated in the global convention of the Indian Diaspora in Kochi and Hon. Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament and Chair of Canada-India Parliamentary Association participated in the global business summit in Gandhinagar.

Traditional welcome in Amritsar

Mayor of Amritsar Bakshi Ram Arora and the councillors of Amritsar’s municipal corporation received the delegates and accompanied them to the hotel where the Mayor of Brampton Her Worship Susan Fennell was welcomed in a traditional way by Bhangra dancers.

ICCC President Naval Bajaj with Mayor of Brampton Her Worship Susan Fennell, Mayor of Amritsar Bakshi Ram Vora and the Commissioner of Amritsar at an interactive meeting organized by the Amritsar Mayor for the India Mission 2013 delegation

Subsequently, a meeting was organized with the businesses of Amritsar and thereafter a media conference was also held. The ICCC signed a MoU with the Punjab Haryana Delhi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) and also met members of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). During these meetings, Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, discussed business and trade matters common to Canada and India and specifically focused on the commonalities between Brampton and Punjab such as food security, alternative energy, education (including education in agriculture), the role of small and medium enterprises. Local entrepreneurs explained the intricacies of the local industries (sports, woolen garments) to the delegates. The delegates also met with Punjab's Minister for NRI Affairs Hon. Bikram Majthia and other ministers anddignitaries from the Punjab government.

Meetings with Punjab's NRI Affairs Minister  Hon. Bikram Majthia, and other Ministers  Signing MoU with PHDCCI

Visit to the Golden Temple  ...and the Durgyaina temple

In the evening, the delegation visited the world famous Golden Temple where the Mayor of Brampton was honoured in a ceremony. The delegation then visited the Durgyaina temple and was similarly honoured at the temple. In the evening the delegation visited the India-Pakistan border at Wagaha to witness the Wagaha-Attari border closing ceremony.

Mayor Susan Fennell & Naval Bajaj at  Wagaha border  India-Pakistan closing of the border ceremony

Mayor of Amritsar Bakshi Ram Arora hosted a dinner for the delegation that was also attended by the local small business owners, the police commissioner, officials from the municipal corporation and the police commissioner.

ICCC's Naval Bajaj & Kanwar Dhanjal at a meeting with Confederation of Indian Industries    Interactive session with local businesses in Amritsar

ICCC’s six-city India Mission 2013

Report and photographs on Delhi programs

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)’s India Mission 2013 came to a successful conclusion in Amritsar January 16. It started January 3 from Toronto. During the two-week program, the Mission visited Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, Delhi, Amritsar and Jalandhar. Led by ICCC’s President Naval Bajaj, the India Mission 2013 comprised over a 100 small businesses from Canada and also includes a team from the Cities of Brampton and Markham led by their respective mayors – Her Worship Susan Fennell (Brampton) and His Worship Frank Scarpitti (Markham).

ICCC President Naval Bajaj addressing the ICCC-ICBC-CII seminar on SME sector in Delhi

ICCC-ICBC-CII Seminar on SME

The role of the small and medium enterprises in fostering bilateral Canada-India economic ties was the theme of the annual seminar jointly organized by Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) at Delhi’s Habitat Centre. Dr. HP Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of the National Small Scale Industries Corporation, was the keynote speaker at the seminar. Other speakers included Arun Pandeya, Country Head, Air Canada and Deep Kapuria of CII, Her Worship Susan Fannell, Mayor of Brampton and His Excellency Stewart Beck, Canada’s High Commissioner to India. The seminar was a part of the ongoing project of ICCC called Canada-India Partnership: Unlocking the Full Potential*. In general the participants emphasized that the governments should formulate specific policies to encourage SMEs to globalize and forge links; they also advocated for specific SME themed trade missions. In his remarks, Naval Bajaj highlighted that a shift has occurred in the development paradigm where the traditional top-to-bottom route has been altered with the advent of globalized SMEs. It is now the suburban cities who are leading the development. In addition, he also highlighted the advantages small businesses have in Canada. Excellent working conditions with high standard of living, world class health facilities and public education system Advances in a multiple sectors including food processing, aerospace, and automotive industries, has expertise to share in professional business services, clean technology, digital media, Information Technology, life sciences, material research, mining, biotechnology, nanotechnology and tourism where it also welcomes as well as provides to other countries investment Relative ease for starting new businesses Stable federal government with an agenda to promote business Skilled work force thanks to its immigration policies which attracts talents and skilled persons from all over the world Multicultural society, rule of law and democratic practices Robust banking system known for its fuelling the new business ventures with lines of credit and loans

Her Worship Susan Fannell, Mayor of Brampton, acknowledging ICCC's role in creating opportunities for Brampton-based SMEs

Dr. HP Kumar of NSIC addressing the seminar  All the speakers pose for a photograph

Reception at Canadian High Commissioner's Residence

His Excellency Stewart Beck, High Commissioner of Canada to India, addressing the guests at the reception held for India Mission 2013 delegates

At an evening reception in Delhi held at His Excellency Stewart Beck’s residence, the Canadian High Commissioner lauded the efforts of the ICCC and Naval Bajaj to follow up on the Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to India by bringing a business delegation to India. Similar sentiments were expressed by Sara Wilshaw, Minister (Commercial) and India Trade Program Manager. In his speech, Naval Bajaj thanked the Consular corps for its unstinted support to make the mission so successful. “It has been a hectic, fruitful and significant Mission and it wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous help that we got from the Canadian High Commission. I want to especially thank Sara Wilshaw, Nicloas LePage, Kyle Nunce, Joachim Rocha and all other members of the diplomatic corps. Our mission achieved all it did because of their constant support."

Naval Bajaj greeting High Commissioner  Naval Bajaj welcoming Winnie Leong, VP Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank; Pankaj Mehra is also in the photograph

Guests at the reception  Her Worship Susan Fennell addressing guests at the reception

 
In addition to these two major events, a series of B2B meetings were also held in Delhi.

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