On Oct. 23, the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) met with various stakeholders at a breakfast session at the Valhalla Inn to discuss “Doing Business with India.” More than 20 businesses participated in the session to learn the importance of Canada-India relations.
Canada-India relations are at an important juncture. Two-way trade is rising, bilateral investments are underway and higher education collaboration has intensified. Important negotiations relating to the Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) continue as do ministerial visits from both countries. While all of these developments are promising, far more needs to be done to strengthen economic ties.
“The CEDC has been working to create new international relationships with partners like the Canada-India Business Council,” said Doug Murray, CEO of CEDC, in a release.
“We hope that with these partnerships, local firms will expand their business internationally and we will get new investment opportunities from India. Confederation College and Lakehead University have proven that with the right strategies we can attract talent and investment to our city.”
The sessions featured knowledgeable business and government representatives, who shared their practical insights on “Doing Business with India."
“We are very pleased with the collaboration that is underway with the Thunder Bay Economic Development Commission” said Kasi Rao, president and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council.
“It is an important time in Canada-India business relations. Both countries are looking at trade and investment and the innovation agenda as areas to partner. Thunder Bay is already home to students from India and to an Indian corporate presence in its region. We look forward to working closely in the future.”
