Hailing India's incredible economic growth and noting its growing importance in the world arena, Canada on Wednesday offered its partnership in areas like agriculture, mining, life sciences, ICT, financial services and infrastructure.
"We know that the world is knocking on India's door. That is why it is up to Canada, and Canadians, to step up, showcase what we can offer India and find new ways of becoming natural, preferred and beneficial partners for India," Helena Guergis said in New Delhi.
She is Canada's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and was addressing the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber on Wednesday.
Guergis, on a two-day visit to India, said her country's simple message was: "Canada can help India as it continues its incredible economic ascent."
Canada's aim in India was to create new Canadian connections in sectors like agriculture, mining, life sciences, information and communication technology (ICT), financial services and infrastructure, areas where that country's firms have proven expertise, she said.
"We recognise the important role two-way investment plays in a strong, commercial relationship. It is certainly a hallmark of the Canada-India relationship," Guergis said.
"We hope to see many more Canadian companies becoming active in the Indian market and a greater presence of Indian companies in Canada," she said.
Noting that Canada's interest in India was quite high, Guergis said just last week, one of the national newspapers ran a four-part series on India, profiling well-known businessmen like Anand Mahindra, G M Rao, Aziz Premji and Ratan Tata.
