ICCC- Business reception for visiting ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ Delegation from India 

Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) in partnership with City of Brampton and City of Markham organised a business reception for visiting ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ business delegation from India on 03 September 2014 in Toronto. The delegation was exploring the new areas for promoting bilateral trade and investment between Canada and India in sectors such as mining, energy, renewable energy, automotive industry, education, information technology, finance and infrastructure.

The delegation was led by Mr. Bharat Lal, Resident Commissioner who was also accompanied with Govt. Officials to promote the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The summit will be held in Gandhinagar from 11-13, January 2015 and will coincide with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015 (PBD2015). The year 2015 marks the centenary of the return of the greatest ‘Pravasi’ of all, Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa.

ICCC President Mr. Dharma P Jain

In his welcome remarks, Dharma P Jain, President, ICCC, emphasized the significance of the bilateral trade between Canada and India. Canada was the official partner country of Vibrant Gujarat 2013 whereas the ICCC was the partner organisation. Canada is also a partner country of Vibrant Gujarat 2015. ICCC led the largest ever delegation from Canada. He further said that ICCC will lead a trade & business delegation to India for Vibrant Gujarat & Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2015 and invited all to join the trade delegation. 

Hon. Bal Gosal, Federal Minister of State for Sports, emphasised that India is a priority market for Canada. Free trade negotiations are undergoing at the final stage between the two countries. Once the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would be signed; the bilateral trade will get a big boost which is close to US $ 5.8 billion at present.

Mr. Bharat Lal, leader of the delegation said that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015 will provide a single platform to interact with the Indian business leaders, decision makers and political leaders. He gave a detailed presentation of the opportunities available in India for the Canadian business people in different sectors. He explained in detail the progress made by Gujarat in last decade and how Vibrant Gujarat Summit had played a key role in it.

Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, Consul General of India in Toronto appreciated the ICCC initiative to promote bilateral trade and investment. He assured that the consulate office will expedite the visa process for the business people for attending the Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2015. 

Mr. Naval Bajaj, Immediate past President ICCC lauded the ICCC initiative in starting the India Missions a couple of years back. ICCC led India Mission 2013 had a wide range of business meetings during the Vibrant Gujarat 2013. He also emphasised that it is very easy to start a business in India in these days as the bureaucratic procedures has been simplified to facilitate the investors.

 
From right to left sitting: Naval Bajaj, Bharat Lal, Minister Bal Gosal, Dharma P Jain, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Consul General Akhilesh Mishra & Sohail Saeed
From right to left standing: Hardesh Marwaha, Sanjay Makkar, Tony Chawla, Ginni Sethi & Carolina Moretti

His worship Mayor Frank Scarpitti, from City of Markham lauded the remarkable work of ICCC in promoting bilateral trade between Canada and India as he was also part of the India Mission 2013. He also said that business between the two countries is increasing and has immense potential for taking it to the next level.

Mr. Sohail Saeed, Director Economic Development, City of Brampton also appreciated the Chamber’s work for the promotion of bilateral engagements between the two countries. He also presented a small token of gift to all delegates.

Members of ICCC board Mr. Sanjay Makkar, Ms. Ginni Sethi and Mr. Hardesh Marwaha were also present at the reception.

The business reception was attended by over 80 guests including representatives of City of Markham and City of Brampton, members and business leaders.

Mr. Tony Chawla, Vice President, Events, ICCC was the master of ceremony and delivered vote of thanks.

 
Delegates at the reception