News 

ICCC Weekly Newsletter

27 February 2021

A hopeful spring

In the classic Shakespearian play Julius Cesar, a soothsayer forewarns the Roman Emperor of the 'Ides of March'. Although the original meaning of Ides is just the first full moon of the month (usually between 13th and 15th of the month), following William Shakespeare’s classic play Julius Cesar (1599), the phrase has become a harbinger of all things bad and unpleasant. In the play, the soothsayer suggests Cesar stay indoors and not venture out.

But, of course, history tells us that on 15 March 44 BCE Cesar was stabbed 23 times by Roman senators led by his protégés and friends Cassius and Brutus. It is said that one of the many reasons why there was a general resentment against Cesar was because he had moved the new year from 15 March to 15 January, when he ordained that the Roman calendar would follow the solar cycle (beginning January) and not the lunar cycle (beginning in March).

The Death of Julius Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini (1798)

The jury’s out on the benefits of changing calendars, just as it’s out for changing the time to save daylight, but there’s little doubt that with the advent of March, the average Canadian begins to feel better, lighter. The heavy burden of the long winter dissipates, and the spring equinox (on 20 March this year) heralds the onset of spring. Of course, we’re in Canada, so it doesn’t really get warm for the next two months, but there’s undoubtedly a shift in mood.

Globally, the advent of spring this year is being eagerly anticipated because the vaccine rollout will be implemented everywhere. It is may perhaps be too early to predict the impact of this process, but there is hope that in the next few months, a majority of the world’s population will be vaccinated.

The Spring of 2021, therefore, is a harbinger of hope!

Happy reading, and send us your feedback at iccc@iccconline.org

Talking Trade

Ontario - Jammu & Kashmir Handlooms & Handicrafts Buyers-Sellers Meet

ICCC brings Jammu & Kashmiri exporters of handloom and handicrafts with Ontario importers and investors

In a path-breaking initiative, the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) organized a buyers-sellers meet between handloom and handicrafts sector exporters from Jammu and Kashmir and importers and investors from Ontario on Friday 26 February 2021. The virtual meet was organized in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) and under the aegis of the Consulate General of India in Toronto.

Apoorva Srivastava, the Consul General of India in Toronto, in her special remarks, emphasized the use of technology to enhance trade, especially the sophisticated innovations available in realm of logistical support in global trade. Ms. Srivastava also said that the market for handicrafts and handloom products in rapidly evolving and growing in North America, and that it is important for institutions such as the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation

In his welcome address, Vijay Thomas, President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is proud to be a part of the initiative that is promoting the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that there are many Indo-Canadians who are of Kashmiri origin who have shown interest in trading with J&K exporters because of their emotional bonds with their birthplace. Vijay added that the ICCC’s upcoming virtual India trade mission called 10 States 10 Days will also include Jammu and Kashmir.

Screengrab of virtual buyers-sellers meet

Anoo Malhotra, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, in her inaugural address, enumerated the measures undertaken by the union territory and the union government to promote economic development in Jammu and Kashmir and especially help exporters.

Following the speeches, Mehmood Ahmad Shah (KAS), Director Handicraft & Handloom Kashmir, made a presentation on handicrafts and handloom sector in Kashmir.

Bhavik Parikh, Director, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) provided both the technical support and was the host for the meet. Over 20 exporters from Jammu and Kashmir and an equal number of importers and investors from Ontario participated in the meet and exchanged information about the range of products on offer. The products on offer ranged from handicrafts and handloom products and included:

Handicrafts such as wood carving and bamboo crafts, basohli paintings, mirrors, woodcraft, modern art, mixed media, Papier Mache, embroidered bags, caps, purses, pouches, mobile pouches, etc.

Garments such fur and leather jackets, Kani shawl, pashmina and woolen stoles and shawls, suits and sarees, cotton and fine cotton, bedsheets, blankets, linen shirt, pachama kameez, dora dresses, tweed, tweed coat, tweed half coat, hand-embroidered cashmere wool shawls, stoles, mufflers, Jamawar shawls, hand-embroidered cashmere and silk jackets, cape shawls, suede bags.

Download

Kashmiri Handicrafts & Handloom presentation: Cashmere

List of Jammu & Kashmir Exporters & their products: E-Catalog 

If you are interested in contacting any Jammu & Kashmir exporter, please write to iccc@iccconline.org

Upcoming Programs & Events

ICCC's Ninth Annual International Women's Day Celebrations

6:00 PM onward

FRIDAY 05 MARCH 2021

Register on Zoom (first 100 registrants)

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5AnomYkjSYGybqlTFb46SQ

Or watch livestream on Facebook

www.facebook.com/ICCCONLINE

Keynote: Lisa Lisson, President, FedEx Express Canada

Guest of Honour: Hon. Mary Ng, Canada's Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

Panel discussion

Women Leaders - What it takes to reach the top and staying there

Panelists

Apoorva Srivastava, Consul General of India in Toronto

Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga

Vasudha Seth, Director, Sales, Arcelor Mittal Dofasco

Moderator

Sangita Iyer, Documentary Filmmaker & Positive Psychology Expert

Past Programs and Events

Thursday Talks Webinar Series

ICCC Annual Real Estate Roundtable

On 25 February 2021, as part of its continuing Thursday Talks webinar series, the ICCC organized its first Annual Real Estate Roundtable and invited experts in the field of real estate to discuss the market trends in the post-pandemic era.

In case you missed it, watch the full recording of the webinar here

Click here to go to the YouTube recording: Real Estate Roundtable

Values Driven Business Leadership

On Friday 26 February, the ICCC invited Dr. Basil Chen and Ravi Nookala, experts in Values Driven Business Leadership to discuss the concept that is redefining leadership and inculcating social good along with profit motive in the process of decision making. Here's the recording of the program

Click here to go to the YouTube recording: Values Driven Leadership

Trade Shows

INDIASOFT 2021

ICCC President at INDIASOFT 2021

Vijay Thomas is a featured speaker at INDIASOFT 2020
at 9:00 am Thursday 11 March

Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) is organizing 21st edition of INDIASOFT from March 9-31, 2021 on a digital platform.

ESC is the designated agency under Foreign Trade Policy for promotion of exports of Electronics, Software and IT Enabled Services from the country. ESC has been successfully conducting "INDIASOFT", its flagship event to showcase capabilities of Indian small and mid-sized companies in Software and IT Services.

Several senior officials of Government of India including Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Industry Promotion & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Rahul Chhabra, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs and Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have kindly agreed to deliver keynote/special address at various Indiasoft Sessions. (program details at www.indiasoft.org).

As North America is the largest market for Indian software and IT services and India is an important market for many important North American solution providers like IBM, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Intel etc. In view of the importance of North American market for promoting trade and investment in Information Technology a session on IT co-operation with US & Canada is being organized on March 11 at 9:00 AM EST.  Sanjay Chadha Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce has kindly agreed to address the session.

Participate in the session on IT co-operation with Canada on March 11, 2021 at 9:00 AM (EST) by registering at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9pgQR-j6DkMat94vZHPaKl6Hl3BOz9yCkYQRwZuJbj6nocg/viewform

In the News

Canada

Ontario approves $950 million small business support grants

As of Wednesday, 24 February, Ontario Government has approved over 67,000 applications with more than $950 million in payments going to businesses in communities across the province.

Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides them with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown. In order to qualify, business must demonstrate that they experienced a revenue decline of at least 20 per cent when comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020.

This time period was selected because it reflects the impact of the public health measures in spring 2020, and as such provides a representation of the possible impact of these latest measures on small businesses. New businesses established since April 2019 are also eligible provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

And to help keep businesses informed with the most up to date information, there’s now a new way for them to check the status of their application online: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/home#BSGStatusWindow

To check  application status, authorization number and CRA business number are required.

Check your application status: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/home#BSGStatusWindow

Learn more about the grant: http://ontario.ca/COVIDsupport

Ontario's Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout

Download chart: Ontario's Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan

India

India's Vaccine Maitri wins global praise

25 countries across the world have already received Made in India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Indian-made vaccines arrive in Serbia under the Vaccine Maitri initiative

Read the report: Vaccine Maitri

Gujarat's new industrial policy

The State Government of Gujarat has announced a new Industrial Policy 2020 (7 August 2020 to 7 August 2025), a copy which is enclosed for ready reference. The new Policy factors in diverse inputs received from various sectors of business and hence is now qualitatively more investor-friendly, especially for MSMEs.

The highlights of the new Industrial Policy are:

The state’s next wave of growth will be driven by mega industrial infrastructure projects, such as the Delhi - Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, Gujarat International Financial Tech (GIFT) City, 30,000 MW Renewable Energy Target by 2022 among others.

To support these projects, the policy introduces Reforms in regulatory mechanisms for Ease of Doing Business and has earmarked land parcels available for industrial use across the state, which may be viewed on an online portal htps://gujarat.ncog.gov.in/indextb). Additionally, the State Government will facilitate industries in getting ‘Government Land’ on lease to industrial enterprises at 6% of market rate for long term up to 50 years.

In light of CoVID-19, Gujarat will offer Special Relocation Incentives to industries planning to relocate their operations and/or diversify supply chains.

Initiatives are also being taken by the state to reposition Gujarat’s MSMEs on a global level such as Capital and Interest Subsidy, Quality Certification, etc.

The policy also further eases the process of utilizing rooftop Solar Power in MSMEs.

Provisions are being made to accelerate and strengthen the start-up ecosystem through a separate fund under GVFL for smaller ticket funding, Gujarat e-Marketplace, etc.

Financial services, Health services, Transport & Logistics services, Audio Visual services, Construction related engineering services and Environmental services are now eligible for special incentives for service sector MSMEs.

In line with the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the state has identified 15 thrust sectors for industrial promotion which have been segregated in 2 categories: Core sectors and Sunrise sectors (new/upcoming).

Additionally, the policy introduces incentives for greater compliance with environmental standards & supports development of latest sustainable industrial infrastructure to reduce air and water pollution.

To promote Skill enhancement, the State Government intends to introduce industry-specific short term/ long term/ modular courses in the existing ITIs, Polytechnic and Engineering colleges with active participation of the user industry.

Download: Gujarat Industrial Policy

Announcement - Membership Discount

Membership Discount ends tomorrow

Avail 20% discount on New Membership & Renewals on Regular category

Up to 6:00 PM 28 February 2021

Become a Member today: Membership

The $150 annual membership is available for only $120 up to February end.

Online payment: Moreover, to ease the process of new member enrolment and renewals, the ICCC has now enabled online payment of membership. Both new members and members renewing their membership can now immediately make payment online.

In compliance with the provisions of ICCC's bylaws, all new membership applications will be reviewed by the board of directors within 10 days of receiving the application. If an applicant does not meet any of ICCC's membership criteria, then s/he would be contacted by a representative of ICCC's membership committee, and the membership fees paid upon application would be refunded.

Life Membership

We are changing our Life Membership category. Starting this year, we will be bringing exclusive programs only for Life Members. Also, Life Memberships would be closed for the entire year and would open only in the beginning of each year for one week to allow 30 new Life Members.

For 2021, Life Membership is open till 28 February 2021.

Become a Member today: Membership

Download the presentation, click on the image below  

or click here: Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts & Handlooms

ICCC brings Jammu & Kashmiri exporters of handloom and handicrafts with Ontario importers and investors

In a path-breaking initiative, the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) organized a buyers-sellers meet between handloom and handicrafts sector exporters from Jammu and Kashmir and importers and investors from Ontario on Friday 26 February 2021. The virtual meet was organized in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) and under the aegis of the Consulate General of India in Toronto.

Apoorva Srivastava, the Consul General of India in Toronto, in her special remarks, emphasized the use of technology to enhance trade, especially the sophisticated innovations available in realm of logistical support in global trade. Ms. Srivastava also said that the market for handicrafts and handloom products in rapidly evolving and growing in North America, and that it is important for institutions such as the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation 

In his welcome address, Vijay Thomas, President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is proud to be a part of the initiative that is promoting the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that there are many Indo-Canadians who are of Kashmiri origin who have shown interest in trading with J&K exporters because of their emotional bonds with their birthplace. Vijay added that the ICCC’s upcoming virtual India trade mission called 10 States 10 Days will also include Jammu and Kashmir.

Anoo Malhotra, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, in her inaugural address, enumerated the measures undertaken by the union territory and the union government to promote economic development in Jammu and Kashmir and especially help exporters.

Following the speeches, Mehmood Ahmad Shah (KAS), Director Handicraft & Handloom Kashmir, made a presentation on handicrafts and handloom sector in Kashmir.

Bhavik Parikh, Director, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) provided both the technical support and was the host for the meet. Over 20 exporters from Jammu and Kashmir and an equal number of importers and investors from Ontario participated in the meet and exchanged information about the range of products on offer. The products on offer ranged from handicrafts and handloom products and included:

Handicrafts such as wood carving and bamboo crafts, basohli paintings, mirrors, woodcraft, modern art, mixed media, Papier Mache, embroidered bags, caps, purses, pouches, mobile pouches, etc.

Garments such fur and leather jackets, Kani shawl, pashmina and woolen stoles and shawls, suits and sarees, cotton and fine cotton, bedsheets, blankets, linen shirt, pachama kameez, dora dresses, tweed, tweed coat, tweed half coat, hand-embroidered cashmere wool shawls, stoles, mufflers, Jamawar shawls, hand-embroidered cashmere and silk jackets, cape shawls, suede bags.

ICCC International Women's Day Celebrations  

So, you think you've got talent?

OK, then. Prove it!

Open call for Indo-Canadian women 

ICCC invites Indo-Canadian women from across Canada to participate in ICCC's Song & Dance competition by sending us their video snippets of no more than 3 minutes that showcase their talent in music, dance, mimicry, dialog-baazi, or any other form of performance-based creative expression.

Last Date to receive your video clips:

12:00 PM 26 February 2021

Send the video link to events@iccconline.org

The best 3 performances will be played during the ICCC International Women's Day Celebrations

The Indo-Canada Chamber will be organizing its Ninth Annual International Women's Day Celebrations as a virtual event with its usual components of thought-provoking speeches by women leaders and decisionmakers from corporate, political, diplomatic and artistic spheres, a riveting panel discussion and entertainment interlude. The details of the program and the VIP speakers will be announced next week.

Time: 6:00 PM onward

Date: Friday 5 March 2021

Mode: Zoom

ICCC Weekly Newsletter

13 February 2021

President's Views

Vijay Thomas

Trade makes the world better

On 10 February, the Prime Ministers of both Canada and India spoke and pledged to work in unison to combat the continuing menace of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Responding to the news in my capacity as the President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and as an entrepreneur with a base both in Canada and in India, I welcomed this sagacious move that has become a momentous occasion in the chequered history of our bilateral ties.

As an entity that has fostered bilateral relations between our two democracies for the last four decades and more, the ICCC welcomed this initiative by Canada and India to work together on sourcing of vaccines.

The ICCC strongly believes that trade and commerce will help Canada and India build stronger bridges. We are confident that a positive approach to bilateral ties will help enhance cooperation and take economic ties on an upward trajectory.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Modi spoke about India's significant efforts in promoting vaccine production and supply, which have provided vital support to countries around the world. The two leaders agreed to work together on access to vaccines. The leaders also recognized the need for continued global coordination to respond to the pandemic and to promote recovery.

The ICCC has always emphasized the need to put trade first in bilateral relations.

The table of trade numbers of Canada and India with China will illustrate this vividly.

It may be pertinent to point out here that in 2019 and 2020 both Canada and India faced political and geopolitical challenges respectively in their bilateral ties with China. But that was not allowed to come in the way of trade, and as the statistics reveal, trading continued with vigor.

Read more: President's Views

ICCC's Partner in Success

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce has joined the Recovery Activation Program launched in 2020 by the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s World Trade Centre Toronto.

The program provides immersive training, mentoring and support to assist with digital modernization and help businesses adapt to the new normal.

The program offers participants unprecedented access to engage with industry leaders, and build their personalised plan to digitally grow their business – at no cost to them.

A strong digital approach can help all businesses operate better, create new opportunities, and support future growth. RAP ensures that participants feel confident they are approaching their digital transformation the right way.

With a significant investment from the Government of Canada (through FedDev Ontario) and the Government of Ontario (through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade) the RAP is being offered to businesses of any size at no cost and extend its reach across Ontario.

The Recovery Activation Program (RAP), presented by the @TorontoRBOT will help you evolve your business in response to #COVID19 and beyond.

FAQs

WHAT IS RAP?

RAP is a series of highly practical online programs designed to help businesses digitally modernize their operations and foster growth.

WHEN DO THE PROGRAMS RUN?

The program runs two webcasts, two half-day Digital Certificates, and an immersive Digital Blueprint Program cohort every month.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?

Thanks to generous support from the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario, and there is no cost to participate.

WHO CAN APPLY?

RAP is open to all businesses across Ontario.

HOW DO I JOIN THE PROGRAM?

To start your journey, businesses need to complete their Digital Needs Assessment, which takes just 30 minutes, and provides an in-depth analysis of your business against industry-specific benchmarks, and identifies opportunities for digital modernization and evolution.

WHERE DOES THE PROGRAM RUN?

All programs are currently run online and are available to all businesses across Ontario.

HOW WILL RAP HELP MY BUSINESS?

The program teaches SMEs how to adapt to present-day business conditions, and overcome emerging challenges such as: managing a remote workforce, dealing with supply chain disruptions, and leveraging technology to increase overall efficiency and revenue through a number of virtual program offerings:

Digital Blueprint Program

Immersive workshops, dedicated coaching and mentorship sessions led by industry experts that help participating businesses develop a personalized strategy to tackle critical gaps.

Digital Certificate Program

Tailored modules focused on helping businesses upskill in specific areas, and leverage technology and digital platforms to guide their overall digital transformation.

Digital Sales Activation Program

Curated digital sales programs run in targeted international markets designed to help businesses overcome disrupted sales channels.

RAP Webcast Series

A series of deep dive presentations and panel discussions with industry experts, thought leaders, and community innovators that provide practical advice, insights and strategies on digital modernization.

Visit rap.bot.com to complete your

Digital Needs Assessment today.

It’s open to all businesses in Ontario.

Please note:

Select ICCC as the referral agency when filling the form.

Upcoming Programs and Events

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce's next edition of Thursday Talks is 0 to 100 in 365 Days. The webinar aims to bring together experts in the field of immigrant settlement. The panelists will explore the most optimal way immigrants can be brought up to speed and working at their full potential in the same occupations of their past or in a brand-new occupation.

The purpose of the webinar is to address issues that are persistently faced by newcomers – severe challenges in finding employment that matches their skills, qualifications and experience, resulting in disguised unemployment or underemployment – highly skilled people doing low-skilled jobs. The webinar will aim to delineate the different strategies that a newcomer may adopt to enhance her / his economic integration into her / his adopted homeland.

The panelists will be announced early next week.

Register now on Zoom

Watch live on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ICCCONLINE

Buyers-Sellers Meet

ICCC - TPCI Buyers-Sellers Meet

Sector: Ceramic Tiles & Marbles and Stones

10:30 AM ET / Thursday 25 February 2021

Canadian importers and dealers of ceramic tiles and marbles and stones are welcome to participate in this program. Please write to iccc@iccconline.org to get a Zoom invite.

Buyers-Sellers Meet

ICCC - CGI-Toronto

Jammu & Kashmir and Ontario Buyers-Sellers Meet

Sector: Handloom Fabrics and Furnishings 

8:30 AM ET / Friday 26 February 2021

Canadian importers and dealers of handloom fabrics and furnishings are welcome to participate in this program. Please write to iccc@iccconline.org to get a Zoom invite.

Past Programs and Events

On 11 February 2021, as part of its continuing Leaders' Talk webinar series, the ICCC Hon. Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Public Services and Procurement to provide insights about Canada's procurement and rollout plan for Covid-19 vaccines.

In case you missed it, watch the full recording of the webinar here

Click here to go to the YouTube recording:

Leaders' Talk: Anita Anand

In the News

Canada

Ontario expands Main Street Relief Grant

Help 60,000 small businesses in province with financial support

to cover PPE costs

Last October, Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria introduced the Main Street Recovery Act, 2020, as part of Ontario government’s Main Street Recovery Plan to support small businesses during COVID-19.  Then as now, the Ontario government knows that a strong Main Street depends on thriving small businesses across Ontario. 

As the province begins the gradual transition from shutdown measures to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework, the Ontario government has expanded the Main Street Relief (PPE) Grant to help more small businesses safely return to the Framework and protect the health and safety of their customers and employees.  

The proposals introduced in the Main Street Recovery Plan have been helping struggling small businesses get back on their feet and continue Ontario’s economic recovery, and included the Main Street Relief Grant:

A one-time grant of up to $1,000 for eligible main street small businesses — in retail, food and accommodations, and other service sectors — with two to nine employees to help offset the unexpected costs of personal protective equipment (PPE).

With new enhancements to the Main Street Relief Grant, Ontario government is building on the supports it made available to date to help even more small businesses and safeguard their transition back to the COVID-19 Response Framework.

The Main Street Relief Grant will provide up to 60,000 small businesses with financial support to help cover the cost of PPE and protective supplies. It’s another step the provincial government is taking to help Main Street businesses stay safe, keep people employed, and continue contributing to our communities.

This one-time grant reimburses Main Street businesses for personal protective equipment (PPE) costs incurred since March 17, 2020. Eligible small businesses must have 2 to 19 employees and be part of the following sectors: 

• Retail trade 
• Accommodation and food services  
• Repair and maintenance
• Personal and laundry services 
• Gyms and yoga studios 
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Small and main street businesses in these sectors have been significantly affected by COVID-19, and they often require frequent, in-person contact with coworkers. They typically also have the least amount of space to accommodate physical distancing, and therefore cannot operate in a sustainable way without a steady supply of PPE.

Providing these Main Street small businesses with a grant to help cover the cost of PPE – whether to install plexiglass or purchase a supply of gloves and masks – is helping to stabilize their cash flow, protect workers, and keep people from communities across Ontario employed.

Together, with the Main Street Recovery Act, Small Business Strategy, Small Business Support Grant and other new funding programs, the Ontario government is delivering a long-term plan that will help more small businesses to rehire, rebuild, and re-emerge from this pandemic stronger than before.  

To learn more about eligibility to recover PPE costs, please visit:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs#section-1

India

India's Farm Reforms

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reacts to Canadian Government’s remarks, says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended India for holding dialogue with protesting farmers

A day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office said he talked to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on ‘recent protests’, an apparent reference to the ongoing farmers’ stir, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Trudeau has hailed the central government’s way of trying to resolve the deadlock with the protesting farmers through “dialogue as befitting in democracy”.

“On the farmers’ protests, Prime Minister Trudeau commended efforts of the Government of India to choose the path of dialogue as befitting in democracy,” MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement. “Trudeau also acknowledged the responsibility of his government in providing protection to Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in Canada.”

On Thursday, Trudeau said that he held a “good discussion” with PM Modi on many important issues, including on the “two nations’ commitment to democratic principles, recent protests, and the importance of resolving issues through dialogue”, a statement from the Canadian government said.

“I had a good discussion with Prime Minister @NarendraModi on many important issues, and we’ve agreed to stay in touch,” Trudeau had tweeted.

“The leaders discussed Canada and India’s commitment to democratic principles, recent protests, and the importance of resolving issues through dialogue,” the Canadian Prime Minister’s office said in a statement. However, the reference to “recent protests” was not part of the Indian government’s readout of the telephone conversation held between Prime Minister Modi and Trudeau on Wednesday.

Source: Indian Express

Welcome to new members

The ICCC Board of Directors approved the

following new members

Life

Hans Girdhari Bathija

Regular

Abhishek Soni

Akash Lakhotia

Allen Viegas

Amit Bhatia

Chetan  Chauhan

Indira Khurana

Navjeet Singh

Rudhin Deep Singh

Sudeep  Singla

Sunandita Das

Vikram  Chauhan

Vipul Bhavsar

Announcement - Advertisements

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce is offering advertising space in its Weekly Newsletter for its members, stakeholders and newsletter recipients. See details below.

The space available is depicted below, and is available for a minimum of six months and maximum of one year.

The rates applicable for each category is also provided in the space allocated for the advertisement. The amount is payable in advance.

To advertise, please call Mayank at 647-995-4792

$450 per month

Introductory Discount Offer 

Option 1: for 3 months / 12 insertions

Rate: $1,350

Discounted Rate: $1,250 ($100 discount)

Option 2: for 12 months / 52 insertions

Rate: $5,400

Discounted Rate: $5,000 ($400 discount)

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce

924 The East Mall Toronto ON M9B 6K1

Tel: (416) 224-0090 Fax: (416) 916-0086

Email: iccc@iccconline.org

Website: www.iccconline.org

Prime Ministers Trudeau and Modi

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) welcomes the dialog between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Responding to the news that the Prime Ministers of Canada and India spoke earlier today and exchanged information on their respective efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, Vijay Thomas, the President of the ICCC in his statement issued in Toronto, congratulated both the Prime Ministers for taking the initiative to promote bilateral relations. “We at the ICCC welcome this initiative of India and Canada working together on sourcing of vaccines. The ICCC strongly believes that trade and commerce will help Canada and India build stronger bridges between our two democracies.”

Prime Minister Modi's Tweet

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Modi spoke about India's significant efforts in promoting vaccine production and supply, which have provided vital support to countries around the world. The two leaders agreed to work together on access to vaccines. The leaders also recognized the need for continued global coordination to respond to the pandemic and to promote recovery.

Read the announcement on PMO website: Readout

Vijay Thomas concluded his statement by stating that the ICCC is organizing a webinar featuring Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement on Thursday 11 February 2021. The Minister will be speaking about ‘Fighting the Pandemic’ Vaccine Procurement and Rollout. The webinar is scheduled at 4:30 pm. To register, click here: Zoom

Fighting the Pandemic Vaccine procurement & rollout

Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Public Services & Procurement

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Thursday

11 February 2021

Download Canada's Covid-19 Immunization Plan:

Saving Lives & Livelihoods

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce

924 The East Mall
Toronto ON M9B 6K1
T: 416-224-0090
F: 416-916-0086
E: iccc@iccconline.org
W: www.iccconline.org

ICCC Weekly Newsletter

05 February 2021

Announcement - Advertisements

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce is offering advertising space in its Weekly Newsletter for its members, stakeholders and newsletter recipients. See details below.

In the News

Canada

Takeout Touchdown this Superbowl weekend

Ontarians urged to order takeout or delivery to help local restaurants

Get your game-faces on, because we're about to help Team Ontario score a huge Takeout Touchdown this Superbowl Weekend!

To support our small businesses, and to help our hard-hit local restaurants weather the storm, we want to take every opportunity to encourage Ontarians to order takeout or delivery whenever they can.  With major sporting events coming up, and holidays like Valentine's and Family Day around the corner, this is a critical season for our local restaurants.

This Super Bowl Weekend, we want to encourage Ontarians to do two things to support the Home Team, while staying in bounds and respecting health rules: Stay In & Order Out.  Let's help our local businesses score a huge Takeout Touchdown by getting as many people across the province as we can to order takeout or delivery from local restaurants in celebration of the Big Game!

"Vaccine delivery on track"

Prime Minister Trudeau

All Canadians will be vaccinated by September 2021

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reassured Canadians that six million doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be delivered by the end of March 2021.

“We’re very much on track to getting those 6 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna by the end of March as we predicted in November. I speak almost every week with the CEOs of these vaccine companies and they have assured me that they will meet their obligations – their contractual obligations – to deliver 6 million doses to Canadians by the end of March. Which means we are still very much on track for 20 million doses in the spring from Pfizer and Moderna, with more vaccine companies in the process of approval right now. And we will get everyone vaccinated by September,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on 4 February at his daily press briefing.

He was addressing apprehensions expressed in some quarters about the possible delays in the vaccine deliveries. Apparently, the deliveries of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have ground to a virtual halt.

As per news reports, while about 400,000 doses came to Canada in December 2020, both companies said they encountered delays in production as they tool up to increase capacity. Yet questions remain as to why other countries seem to be doing better in terms of deliveries and Canada lags behind.

Canada was quick off the mark in negotiating deals with seven pharmaceutical companies before knowing which ones and when they would succeed in developing and then, producing a vaccine. Negotiations are said to have been tough and it seems Canada agreed to quarterly shipments. Canada did not realize that vaccines could be ready and approved well before the first quarter delivery in April 2021.

Read more: PM assures of maintaining vaccine rollout time schedule

Read news report: 'Vaccine rollout will ramp up soon'

India

India's 2021-2022 Budget

ICCC & SBI Canada Bank with the support of CGI-India organized an insightful analysis of the 2021-2022 Indian Budget on 6 February 2021 with Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh. In case you missed it, you may watch the recording of the program here.

Click here to go to the YouTube recording:
India Budget 2021-22

Download Dr. Ghosh's analysis:
India Budget 2021-22 - Booklet

India's Finance Minister Hon. Nirmala Sitharaman before presenting the Budget in the Indian Parliament

Read more: Key highlights of the budget

Upcoming Programs and Events

Leaders Talk:

Interactive Session with Hon. Anita Anand

Canada's Minister of Public Service & Procurement

Minister Anand will discuss Canada's procurement and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines

Register now on Zoom (first 100 registrants): Zoom

Or watch livestream on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ICCCONLINE

Past Programs and Events

Thursday Talks Webinar Series

On 4 February 2021, as part of its continuing Thursday Talks webinar series, the ICCC invited experts in the field of digitalization, artificial intelligence, automation to have a topical and relevant discussion on a subject that has acquired tremendous significance these days: Business Today: Digitally Transform or PERISH

In case you missed it, watch the full recording of the webinar here

Click here to go to the YouTube recording: Digitally Transform

Announcement - Advertisements

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce is offering advertising space in its Weekly Newsletter for its members, stakeholders and newsletter recipients. See details below.

The space available is depicted below, and is available for a minimum of six months and maximum of one year.

The rates applicable for each category is also provided in the space allocated for the advertisement. The amount is payable in advance.

To advertise, please call Mayank at 647-995-4792

$450 per month

Introductory Discount Offer 

Option 1: for 3 months / 12 insertions

Rate: $1,350

Discounted Rate: $1,250 ($100 discount)

Option 2: for 12 months / 52 insertions

Rate: $5,400

Discounted Rate: $5,000 ($400 discount)

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce
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