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  • ICCC - Naval Bajaj's guest column in Globe & Mail - 13-02-13

    13 Feb 2013 11:48 AM | Anonymous

    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/

  • ICCC - YP Networking - 29-01-13

    29 Jan 2013 12:19 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC - YP Networking session


    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 - Welcome reception for Nirmal Vermal High Commissioner of India to Canada - 27-01-13

    27 Jan 2013 6:59 PM | Anonymous
     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.
                                                       

  • ICCC - Hon Ed Fast holds pre budget consultation with ICCC members - 22-01-13

    22 Jan 2013 4:11 PM | Anonymous
    Pre Budget Consultation with
    Hon. Ed Fast


    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


    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

    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 India Mission 2013 - Jalandhar - 16-01-13

    16 Jan 2013 7:00 PM | Anonymous

    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 India Mission 2013 - Amritsar - 15-01-13

    15 Jan 2013 2:29 PM | Anonymous

    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 India Mission 2013 - Delhi - 13-01-13

    13 Jan 2013 9:48 AM | Anonymous

    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.
     
     *Official sponsor of the project
     

  • ICCC India Mission 2013 - Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar - 10-01-13

    10 Jan 2013 1:14 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC’s six-city India Mission 2013
    Report and photographs on Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar 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 and Amritsar. 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).
     
     Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, greets Hon. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat. His Excellency Stewart Beck High Commissioner of Canada and Satish Thakkar, Immediate Past President, ICCC, along with other India Mission 2013 delegates are also in the photograph

    After successful participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi, where Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, along with Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator and Hon. Joe Daniel, Member of Parliament, had accompanied the India Mission 2013 delegates, the delegation reached Ahmedabad to participate in Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Business Summit. ICCC was one of the Partner Organizations of the Summit, and Canada was a partner country. Hon. Jason Kenney participated in the inaugural ceremony of the Summit along with Hon. Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament and Chair Canada-India Parliamentary Association. They were also present at the Canada Country seminar and at the Canada-Gujarat seminar organized by ICCC in collaboration with the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Petroleum University (PDPU). Two MoUs were signed by ICCC one with the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the other with PDPU.
    Meeting with Mayor of Ahmedabad
     
     His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham, Her Worship Susan Fennell,
    Mayor of Brampton, Naval Bajaj with the Mayor of Ahmedabad Asit Vora

    Mayors of Brampton and Markham Her Worship Susan Fennell and His Worship Frank Scarpitti along with ICCC President Naval Bajaj met the Mayor of Ahmedabad Asit Vora. During the meeting the two GTA Mayors discussed the exchange of knowhow on civic issues such as waste management and possibilities of collaboration between their cities with Ahmedabad. Asit Vora explained the diverse operations of the Ahmedabad municipal corporation. ICCC President invited the Mayor of Ahmedabad to GTA with a delegation of small businesses, which Asit Vora accepted.
    Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries
     
     His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham & Her Worship Susan Fannell, Mayor of Brampton, flank Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC & Prakash Bhagwati, President, GCCI, after ICCC-GCCI signed MoU

    The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) organized an interactive session with ICCC to explore trade ties and possibilities of collaboration between small businesses in Canada and Gujarat. Speaking on the occasion, Naval Bajaj emphasized that it was to encourage small businesses in Canada that the Chamber had undertaken the trade mission. He said that the cities of Brampton and Markham had decided to join the delegation because they take small businesses seriously and they are keen that small businesses located in their cities take to globalization. After the interactive session, Presidents of both the organizations signed a memorandum of understanding for future collaboration.
    Vibrant Gujarat inaugural
     
     Hon. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, greets participants at the inaugural ceremony of Vibrant Gujarat 2013. ICCC President Naval Bajaj is seen in the photograph & ICCC logo is prominently displayed as a partner organization

    The ICCC-led delegation to Vibrant Gujarat was the largest foreign delegation at the Summit. Altogether 50,000 delegates from 120 countries attended the Summit. ICCC was one of the partner organizations of the three-day global business summit and Canada was the Partner Country. Hon. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat conveyed his deep appreciation to Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, that the Canadian delegation was the largest of all international delegations. The Gujarat Chief Minister also specifically mentioned ICCC for leading thelargest international delegation to the Summit, and lauded Naval Bajaj's commitment to foster bilateral ties. 
     
     
      Cyrus Mistry, the new head of Tata Group, speaking at the inaugural ceremony of
    Vibrant Gujarat 2013
    The Canadian presence was substantial and led by Hon. Jason Kenney. It included Hon. Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament and Chair Canada-India Parliamentary Association; and Hon. Davinder Shory, Member of Parliament. Senior members of the Indo-Canadian Diaspora, including entrepreneurs, community leaders, academicians and members of the Canadian diplomatic corps were a part of the Canadian delegation.Minister Kenney praised ICCC and Naval Bajaj for staying focused on its mandates of fostering bilateral ties, creating opportunities for the Indo-Canadian Diaspora and Canadian small businesses. Hon. Patrick Brown emphasized ICCC's positive contribution to Canada-India ties and said that ICCC had done by bringing a massive trade delegation that included Mayors of Canada's two fastest growing cities.
       
     Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister for Citizenship, Immigration & Multiculturalism
    		  Hon. Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament, and Chair Canada-India Parliamentary Association
     
    His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham & Her Worship Susan Fennell, Mayor of Brampton at the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 inaugural

    On the occasion of the global business summit, Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, wrote a special letter to Hon. Narendra Modi, in which he lauded the entrepreneurial spirit of Gujarat and said that the state is playing an important role in strengthening Canada-India relations.

    Prime Minister Harper said that Gujarat, one of India’s most dynamic and industrious states, is world-renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit. “The state is an important partner for Canada thanks to its strategic location, strong economic credentials, and multilingual skilled workforce.”

    Describing Vibrant Gujarat Summit as an international platform which provides a wonderful opportunity to foster new commercial relationships and enhance people-to-people ties, Harper said that Canada recently opened a trade office in Ahmedabad to facilitate new business and trade opportunities for Canada and the Gujarati community.
    Canada Country Seminar
       
     Hon. Narendra Modi confabulating
    with HE Stewart Beck
    		 HE Stewart Beck speaking at the
    Canada Country Seminar

    Chris Hill, President, Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) was the keynote speaker at the Canada Country Seminar. The subject of the seminar was Canada – the Preferred Business Destination.  His Excellency Stewart Beck gave the welcome remarks and representatives of provinces from British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Saskatchewan made presentations on what their provinces have to offer to investors. Mayors of Brampton and Markham also made presentations about their cities. 

    His Excellency Stewart Beck, the High Commissioner of Canada to India, in his speech, noted that ICCC had done well by following up the Prime Minister Stephen Harper's November visit to India with leading a trade delegation of small businesses to India.

    In his closing remarks, Naval Bajaj, said, “Canada and India share many commonalities such as democracy, respect for human rights, pluralism, religious freedom and the rule of law. We also have long-standing people-to-people relations. India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and it needs resources to keep the momentum of its growth. Canada has enough resources to fulfill the Indian needs in sectors like energy, mining, food processing, education, skill development etc. The cooperation and collaboration of both countries in these sectors will be a win-win situation.”
    Canada-Gujarat Business & Trade Opportunities
     
     Participants at Canada-Gujarat Seminar
    XXXXXX
    		  Canada-Gujarat Seminar co-organizers
    PDPU &  ICCC signing a MoU

    At the Canada-Gujarat Business and Trade Opportunities Seminar, Hon. Jason Kenney gave the keynote address. He said that just as Gujarat has the strongest economy in India, Canada has the strongest economy in G-7. Working together, the potential to support each other’s prosperity is boundless." Gujarat’s Minister for Energy, Hon. Saurabh Patel was the guest of honour. In his presentation, Naval Bajaj gave innumerable examples of how trade and business between Gujarat and Canada can be enhanced. Giving a telling example of diamond trade, the ICCC President said, “Gujarat is the hub of diamond trade. There is negligible direct trade in diamonds between Canada and India because the bulk of the trade is routed through Europe. Canada is one of the world’s largest producers and India is one of the world’s largest importers of rough diamonds. If Canada and Gujarat are able to establish direct linkages in this trade I am certain the $15 billion two-way trade target will be easily achieved and long before the 2015 deadline. Our Chamber signed a MoU with the Diamond Bourse of Canada to explore ways and means to establish direct diamond trade.” He emphasized that the Canada-Gujarat platform that the ICCC provided at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit was to showcase the vibrancy of Canada as much as that of Gujarat.
     
     
      ICCC India Mission 2013 delegation at the 
    Canada-Gujarat Business & Trade Opportunities seminar

  • ICCC India Mission 2013 - Kochi - 07-01-13

    07 Jan 2013 1:11 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC’s six-city India Mission 2013
    Report and photographs on Kochi programs

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)’s India Mission 2013 which started on January 3 from Toronto will be completing its final leg tomorrow when it reaches Amritsar. The Mission has already visited Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar and Delhi. Led by ICCC’s President Naval Bajaj, the Mission comprises 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). In Kochi, the delegates participated in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013, the Eleventh edition of the global convention of the Indian Diaspora.
     
    ICCC President Naval Bajaj speaking at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Plenary Session III
    on Engaging Young Overseas Indians

    Luncheon with Hon. Jason Kenney
     
      Hon. Jason Kenney at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi
    		  ICCC delegates at the luncheon reception hosted by Hon. Jason Kenney

    Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism had especially flown down to India to be with the Canadian delegates participating in the convention. He hosted a luncheon for the Indian delegates where Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Senate of Canada, spoke along with Naval Bajaj and the Mayors of Brampton and Markham. Minister Kenney lauded the positive role of the ICCC in fostering bilateral relations between Canada and India and also proactively engaging the Indian Diaspora into the social, cultural and economic fabric of Canada.

    Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
     
    ICCC India Mission 2013 delegates with Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister for Citizenship, Immigration & Multiculturalism, Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Hon. Joe Daniel, MP, His Excellency Stewart Beck, Canadian High Commissioner & Her Worship Susan Fennell, Mayor of Brampton

    Naval Bajaj, President, ICCC, was one of the speakers at the third Plenary Session on the second day of the three-day convention. The session discussed Engaging Young Overseas Indian and included eminent personalities such as Honourable Salman Khurshid, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India; Honourable Mookhesswur Choonee, Minister for Arts and Culture, Republic of Mauritius; Honourable Ajay Maken, Minister for Housing and Poverty Alleviation, Government of India; Honourable K. C. Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Government of India; Honourable Madhu Yaskhi Goud, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha; Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Former Member of Parliament, Canada; T. P. Sreenivasan, Former Ambassador of India and Governor of the IAEA; Dr. G. Mohan Gopal, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies; and Dr. Vidya Rajiv Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis.
     
     Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, with Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti & ICCC delegates
    		 ICCC's Naval Bajaj along with the other panelists at the PBD-India's Plenary Session-III 

    Discussing the subject, the ICCC President emphasized the need to engage the youth from Indian Diaspora. He said, “It stands to reason that for the Indian Diaspora to play an effective role for building partnerships between host countries and India, they have to integrate well into the societies of host countries. Greater civic engagement of members of Indian Diaspora with mainstream societies of host countries may bring substantial benefits to India. Indian Diaspora Organizations need to pay attention to this matter. The effectiveness of the process of engaging Young Overseas Indians for mutual benefits can be enhanced by appropriate policy measures by the governments of India and of host countries concerned, as well as by their private sectors and civil societies, and above all by various Indian Diaspora organizations acting in tandem.”

    KSIDC
     
      Mayors of Brampton and Markham along with India Mission 2013 delegates
    at the interactive session organized by KSIDC

    The Mission delegates also had an interactive session with the officials of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and the Government of Kerala in Kochi. The KSIDC officials utilized the interactive session to showcase the investment opportunities available in Kerala. Speaking on the occasion, Naval Bajaj observed that little is known outside India of the investment opportunities available in southern parts of India, and that there is need for better exposure. The selection of Kochi as a venue for PBD-India would go a long way in addressing this anomaly.

    Meetings
       
     With Sam Pitroda
    		  With Vayalar Ravi
       
     With Vayalar Ravi
    		  With Oomen Chandy
       
     With E Ahamad
    		  With Dr. Didar Singh

    At the PBD-India, the delegation met several Indian dignitaries and decision makers. These included meetings with:

    • Sam Pitroda, the Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations, and the chairman of India’s National Innovation Council.  
    • Honourable Vayalar Ravi, India’s Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs
    • Honourable E Ahamad, Minister of State for External Affairs
    • Honourable Ooomen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala
    • Dr. S. Didar Singh, Secretary General, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

    Naval Bajaj discussed scope of enhancing Canada-India bilateral relations.

  • ICCC India Mission 2013 - Bengaluru - 06-01-13

    06 Jan 2013 1:08 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC’s six-city India Mission 2013
    Report and photographs on Bengaluru programs

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC)’s India Mission 2013 which started on January 3 from Toronto has completed its first leg and is at present in Gandinagar participating in Vibrant Gujarat. Led by ICCC’s President Naval Bajaj, the India Mission 2013comprises 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 India Mission 2013 delegates with members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) at the dinner reception in Bengaluru 

    In Bengaluru the Mission had five interactive sessions meetings with the diplomatic corps, government officials, briefing sessions, luncheon receptions and seminars on small businesses, and B2B meetings with leading private banking institutions, chambers of commerce, industry association and visit to one of India’s emerging global IT giants – iGATE.
    Vishweshwarya International Trade Centre (VITC)
     ICCC-VITC roundtable on Karnataka-Canada economic opportunities
    		  VITC's Shivaswamy and ICCC's Naval Bajaj signing a MoU

    The Mission reached Bengaluru 6 January and had an interactive session at Vishweshwarya International Trade Centre (VITC), the nodal agency for Karnataka’s international trade. Shivaswamy, Managing Director and Swaroopa TK, Joint Director, along with other officials of VITC participated in the meeting. ICCC and VITC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for future collaborations.  Speaking on the occasion, Naval Bajaj emphasized that ICCC is keen to forge linkages with India’s states and their international trade bodies as each state has different strengths and the ability to offer something unique to Canada. Shivaswamy emphasised the commonalities between Karnataka and Canada in several industry and services sectors such as mining and information technology.

    Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI)
     
      ICCC's Naval Bajaj signing a Memorandum of Understanding with FKCCI's Siva Shanmugam

    Later that evening the delegates attended a dinner reception organized by the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). Among the highlights of the dinner was the presence of senior Karnataka leaders and industry leaders. While referring to ICCC’s relations with FKCCI, Naval Bajaj said, “Our organizational relations may be new but we share a common vision of fostering trade and commerce.” He noted that the role that organizations such as ICCC and FKCCI perform on bilateral sphere help towards a more integrated soci0-economic, cultural and political relations between nations and also directly benefit the people. ICCC and FKCCI also signed a MoU for future collaboration.

    iGATE & Mayor of Bengaluru
     
      Mayor of Brampton Susan Fennell at a meeting with Mayor of Bengaluru D Venkatesh Murthy

    A few delegates went to visit the facilities of iGATE in Bengaluru. iGATE is a silver sponsor of ICCC and has a growing presence in Canada. Another group met the Mayor of Bengaluru D Venkatesh Murthy. The Mayor of Brampton Susan Fennell attended this meeting. The two mayors discussed the prospects of signing a friendship city agreement in the near future. They also discussed best practices on waste management and other civic issues.

    ICBC-CII-WTC
     
      Mayor of Brampton Susan Fennell speaking at the ICBC-CII-WTC seminar on Canada-India partnership. ICCC's Naval Bajaj & Consulate General of Canada (Bengaluru) Kyle Nunas 
    are also in the photograph     

    The Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the World Trade Centre (WTC) – Bengaluru organized a seminar as a part of ICCC’s project on the Future Agenda for Canada India Partnership: Unlocking its Full Potential*.

    Among the participants were L Krishnan, Chairman, CII Karnataka State Council & Managing Director, Taegutec India Pvt Ltd; Kyle Nunas, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner (South India), Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada; M Maheswara Rao, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development & Director of Industries and Commerce; Pradipta Banerjee, VP CGI & Chairperson, Bangalore Regional Council, ICBC and Nadira Hamid of ICBC.

    Speaking on the occasion, Naval Bajaj said the two-way trade between Canada and India has grown steadily. “A target of $15billion in trade has been set which is to be achieved in the next couple of years. It seems like a long way to go considering that in 2011 the two-way trade was a little over $5billion but perhaps not as challenging as it may seem because trade increased by 24% in a year, I am certain 2012 statistic will show an equally impressive if not more impressive growth.”

    He observed that it is in the context of growing relations that the ICCC envisaged a project that would explore all aspects of bilateral relations with an emphasis on economic ties and the role the Indian Diaspora has played and will play in enhancing ties.

     
    *Official sponsor of the project
     



     

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