OTTAWA, November 19, 2013 – Senator Asha Seth welcomed High Commissioner of India H.E. Admiral Nirmal Verma, representatives of the Indian Government, and key stakeholders for an interactive discussion and dinner reception on behalf of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) and the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). The evening explored the opportunities that will be consequence to the completion of the Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The event crowned the completion of the fourth round of conferences hosted by SICI over the past year, which included roundtable discussions in Toronto, Montreal and Regina. The fourth series entitled, “Unlocking Potential – Future Agenda for Canada-India Partnerships,” featured discussions structured around education, skill development and vocational training, innovation, science and technology, sustainable development, and investment.
“Tonight, we will have an opportunity to discuss at length how Canada and India are working together to develop and strengthen key relations in the areas of education, research, and commerce”, Senator Asha Seth stated over the dinner attended by delegates from across the country and Parliamentarians including Minister Bal Gosal and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate Yonah Martin.
“Our Government is making great efforts to secure our partnership with India. These efforts have been underscored by over twenty Canadian ministerial visits since 2006, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s state visit in November 2012, in which I had the pleasure of participating.”
This message was further reinforced by other speakers including Senator Asha Seth and Indian High Commissioner Nirmal Verma, who also expressed his country’s strong desire to collaborate in areas like agriculture, energy and food processing.
The event concluded with a speech by Dr. Shanthi Johnson, President of the Shastri-Indo Canadian Institute, in which the importance of academic and research exchanges were stressed as a measure to further unlock potential for Canada and India. “Education is the most effective tool we have to bring social change and economic prosperity. Shastri Indo-
Canadian Institute will continue to play a significant role in building and improving academic relationships between the two great nations, Canada and India”.
To learn more about the efforts of the government of Canada click here: http://www.international.gc.ca/
To learn more about SICI: http://www.sici.org/home/
To learn more about ICCC: http://www.iccc.org/
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For more information, please contact
Rachel Paterson
rachel.paterson@sen.parl.gc.ca
613-996-7162