BY DARSHANA JAMINDAR
The Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) is a not for profit dedicated to promoting Indo-Canadian economic and bilateral relations. Being the premier bilateral organisation in India at the forefront of facilitating trade and investment in the India-Canada economic corridor, ICBC’s Gujarat Regional Council (GRC) organised a Canada Indo-Pacific Conclave 2023 on January 6th from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM at the Courtyard Marriott in Ahmedabad. The event was an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Gujarat to interact with the Honourable Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism of Ontario, and also be apprised of powerful collaborations between Indian & Canadian businesses. The Honourable Minister Ford is visiting India to engage with partners, promote the province of Ontario, and celebrate the Indian community in Ontario. During his visit, he will also attend the centennial celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Ahmedabad. ICBC has organised an event to strengthen bilateral relations between Gujarat and Ontario on the occasion of his visit. The event was also attended by His Excellency Cameron MacKay, High Commissioner for Canada in India.
Speaking at the event, the CEO Ms. Nadira Hamid said, “With the upcoming G20 Summit in India later this year, ICBC is keen to showcase Canada as a critical partner in the development and economic growth of India. As the only Chamber in India dedicated to enhancing the bilateral relationship between India & Canada, ICBC will be actively promoting areas of mutual interest and benefit.” Last year, both countries decided to relaunch the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and agreed to consider an interim agreement or Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) which could bring early commercial gains to both sides. Canada recently unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy which can strengthen the growing relationship, people-to-people ties and contribute to advancing shared interests between both countries.
“Ontario is home to 900,000 people of Indian origin who enrich our culture, strengthen our communities, schools and workplaces and contribute to every sector of the economy.” said Hon. Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Government of Ontario, Canada. “I am travelling to India to meet with business, government and community leaders and visit places of cultural and religious significance, to further bolster Ontario-India relations while promoting our multicultural province as the best place in the world to live, learn and do business.”
“I am thrilled to begin this new year in Gujarat, starting with a very insightful meeting with Honourable Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, discussing Canada’s support to India’s G20 presidency and the growing trade & investment ties between Gujarat and Canada.
I also had the honour to join in celebrations of the life & work of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, where I had the opportunity to share some reflections on his life and connections to Canada. This visit continued with an ICBC networking event, where I engaged with a very diverse group of trade & industry representative from the region. India is a priority market for Canadian businesses and the extensive people-to-people and cultural connections bolster the friendship between our two countries. To conclude the visit, I attended the International Kite Festival and witnessed the Vibrant Gujarat culture & traditions in person. Overall, this has been a very successful visit & I am excited about the continued momentum in Canada’s growing bilateral relationship with India, as well as its important relationship with the state of Gujarat.” Cameron MacKay, High Commissioner for Canada in India
