India and Canada are strategic partners and share common values of democracy, pluralism, liberty, multiculturalism and a common economic vision, Akhilesh Mishra, Consul General of India in Toronto, said at a welcome dinner reception given in his honour by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) at Hotel Radisson Plaza, Mississauga Wednesday, October 2, 2013.

CG Mishra highlighted the Canada’s strength in pioneering high-end technology, economic development, mining, inclusive model of development, public service delivery mechanism, and citizen focused approach to policy and planning. He added that Canada India trade and economic potential is under-utilized and have more scope for development as both countries have only $5billion annual trade.

The recent visit of Indian foreign minister Hon. Salman Khurshid to Canada and the starting of the dialogue on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries will pave the way for more economic and cultural engagement. The million-strong India diaspora, and organisations such as ICCC will play an important role in developing such relationship, he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Naval Bajaj, President ICCC welcomed the new Consul General to Canada and emphasized that the welcome reception coincided with the 144th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He said that the 36 year old chamber with councils in five Canadian cities, is actively involved in promoting bilateral trade and providing the inputs to the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. He said the ICCC is also working on a project on Future Agenda for Canada India Partnership: Unlocking its Full Potential to examine the implications on trade post-CEPA.

Mr. Bajaj assured the new Consul General that the ICCC would continue to provide fullest support to consulate office in its efforts to enhance trade ties between the two countries. The ICCC President said the Chamber has encouraged the small and medium businesses to explore the vast Indian market through its annual India trade mission with active involvement of suburban Canadian cities. While seeking the support of the Consulate General of India in Toronto, Mr. Bajaj said India Mission 2014 will visit Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune and focus on agriculture, agri-food, education and energy.

Mr. Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament, appreciated the work done by chamber in strengthening ties with India- largest democracy of the world and also for working hard to taking the relationship at a new level.

Ms. Amrit Mangat, Member of Provincial Parliament, Ontario, said that the Ontario government has taken two trade delegations to India and looking forward to improve social, economic and cultural ties with India. She also read the message from Premier Kathleen Wynne for the New Consul General.

Her Worship Hazel McCallion, Mayor of Mississauga, lauded the investments from Indian companies in the city which were resulted from her two trade missions to India, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. She said that the Indian entrepreneurs established good businesses in the city and the city still has immense potential for more investment.

Mr. Jagdish Bajaj, Vice President ICCC announced that ICCC’s Winter Gala will be held on 29th November 2013 and will be themed on Films, Television, Animation and Visual Media. Canada has a beautiful natural landscape which can be promoted for shootings of films etc. and the chamber can play a bridge builder role in its promotion.

Mr. Kasi Rao, Vice President and Director, Asia Pacific Foundation, Toronto office commended the work done by ICCC on the Canada India file. He was also the Master of Ceremony.

Over 100 guests from different walks of life attended the dinner reception; among them were Hon. Harinder Takhar, Minister, Government of Ontario; Dr. Asha Seth, Senator, Senate of Canada; Hon. Mark Adler, Hon. Brad Butt, Hon. Kristy Duncan, Members of Parliament.