Meeting with H E Mr Herb Dhaliwal, Hon'ble Minister of Natural Resources of Canada
November 12, 2002, New Delhi

Special Address by H E Mr Herb Dhaliwal, Hon'ble Minister of Natural Resources of Canada

Thank you Mr Lodha, Mr Modi and Dr Amit Mitra for that kind introduction and good afternoon, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

 

Introduction

I bring greetings from the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Jean Chretien.

And I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Lodha, Dr. Mitra (FICCI Secretary General) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry for arranging this luncheon. Thank you for extending your gracious hospitality to us.

I am honoured to be among members of this venerable organization, which has a long history of doing business with Canada.

I am very pleased to be back in India, leading this business development mission. As the Government of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, I am honoured that so many Canadian companies specializing in energy, geomatics, geoscience, forest products and mining have joined me on this mission. 

I am confident that this mission will show you the depth and breadth of Canadian expertise in natural resources - our innovative practices, our technology, our research and development, our focus on sustainable development - and how well Canada's capabilities complement India's capabilities and expertise.

The symbol for this mission - the maple leaf and the banyan leaf joined by circle halves - is a fitting symbol for our relationship - partnering together to create opportunities.

India/Canada partnership

Canada has a long and mutually beneficial relationship with India that stretches back decades. This is particularly pleasing to the nearly 800,000 Canadians of Indian origin.

And we share more than people. We are both progressive, dynamic societies.

We are bound by history, language, common-law traditions, trade, culture and cooperation on many fronts. We work for peace, progress, freedom and development.

The natural resources sector and allied industries play an important role as a major engine of economic growth and job creation in all regions of both of our countries.

Over the past year, Canada has worked to strengthen our economic, social and political relationship.

Our two-way trade is showing growth in recent months - our countries achieved record growth in exports, with total trade touching $2 billion last year.

But our current two-way trade is a far cry from our true potential. We can and ought to do more with each other as a source and a destination for our businesses.

We hope to see our trade with India rise and rise fast. Our objective is to double bilateral trade by 2003.

The recent visits of our Deputy Prime Minister and our Minister for International Trade and this business development mission are clear proof that Canada is serious about developing a solid bilateral relationship with India.

We are discovering a new and exciting India, an India whose economy is energized, an India with one of the highest economic growth rates. An emerging high-tech power with a young, dynamic, Internet-savvy business class.

And as the world's largest democracy with one of the world's largest middle classes, India offers exciting opportunities for partnerships, investments and trade.

These are key reasons why India is a trade priority for Canada. It makes economic sense - for both of us.

I'd like to take a few minutes to dispel a few myths about Canada.

Some of you may still think of Canada only as a country of beautiful mountains, forests and lakes, a land rich in resources.

And yes, Canada is a vast country and still one of the leading producers of commodities such as oil, gas, pulp and paper, minerals, and grains, including daal.

But today's Canada is much, much more than that.

Canada is highly urbanized. Culturally diverse. And a technology powerhouse.

In Canada, like in India, the high-tech sector is a key force, as you can see from many of the companies that have journeyed her with me.

We are a world leader in many areas of interest to the members of FICCI. These include power, Mining and metallurgy, Geoscience, Innovation and sustainable development of energy, forest, mineral and metal resources, and related technologies, such as geomatics and clean energy, Information and communications technology, Biotechnology, Financial services and environmental services.

What we have to offer

Canadians have learned that it is possible to fulfil our social and environmental objectives while developing new business and trade opportunities.

These companies have a wealth of expertise and strength in areas where India has developmental priorities.

We are committed to working with you to achieve the benefits that are possible with sustainable resource development.

How? By supplying competitive high-quality products and services. By investigating investment possibilities. By sharing technology, expertise and innovative ideas.

Yesterday we saw an example with the MoU signed by the Indian Department of Science & Technology and my department of natural resources. This partnership is the first between two key departments in the area of science & technology.

Also, Lunny International Group of Vancouver is finalising an agreement to design and build a science city project in the state of Jharkhand.

This landmark science centre will be a great benefit - communicating to young audiences the core principles of science and technology, through the expertise and creativity of this world-renowned company.

In a few minutes, we will all be witnessing the signing of a MoU on the sharing of critical data and information concerning industrial energy efficiency. This will facilitate the exchange of knowledge on best practices between our two countries.

And many companies are looking for joint ventures and partnerships. For instance, Canadian geomatics firms have formed alliances with Indian companies to bid on and win international contracts.

Like Maradadi Pacific, who will be signing agreements with Tata Housing Development Company Ltd. to build five premium leisure clubs, and with Somaiya Group to develop a training program for wood-frame construction skills.

The dynamism between our two countries extends far beyond trade and investment.

Your high-tech companies, such as Infosys Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, the Birla Group and the State Bank of India and a host of other Indian firms, large and small, are enjoying a growing and beneficial relationship with Canada.

Tourism in both directions is substantial and continues to increase.

Our academic institutions, with the encouragement of our governments, have pioneered an impressive level of cooperation.

At the government level, we can work together on research and encouraging the transfer of technologies. Over the next week, I will be strengthening existing relations and creating new links.

We have already begun strengthening these links between our Governments. Yesterday, I met with several Ministers of the Government of India : 

• Science & Technology Minister Rawat;
• Rural Development Minister Shanta Kumar
• Railways Minister Nitish Kumar;
• Mining & Coal Minister Bharati;

Our discussions have been very productive and our officials signed agreements for our Ministries to cooperate in areas such as geoscience research and geomatics. An agreement will also be signed this afternoon on environmentally friendly energy projects.

These agreements will lead to further sharing of knowledge, and more opportunities for both our countries.

The benefits of increased trade and investment between India and Canada expand beyond our borders. Canada is an ideal, cost-effective location from which you can do business. We can provide you with a gateway to the vast North American market, while you provide us with a window to South and Southeast Asia.

We are by far the largest trading partner of the United States - one-fifth of what the United States imports comes from Canada, and more than 80 percent of our exports go to the United States.

Canada is also a very open market. We have a highly skilled work force. A world-class infrastructure. Modern investment climate and regulatory system. We're working toward continued trade liberalization. What is more, Canada offers highly competitive business costs.

So you see, Canada, too, is a tremendous success waiting to be discovered by the Indian business community, both as a market for your goods and services, and also as an investment destination.

That's what this mission is all about- building closer ties. Developing greater collaboration between Canadian and Indian industries.

What we need

Canadian companies are eager to do business and to learn about the different ways of doing business.

But they do have concerns about a level playing field. About transparency, predictability, clarity in rules. And they share your interest in issues such as corporate social responsibility. Resource development that provides environmental, social and economic benefits to our citizens.

Since 1991, there have been tremendous changes in economic philosophy in India. Many of these changes have come about because of the dedication of your organization and your members -integrating the Indian economy with the global mainstream.

We acknowledge how far your economy has advanced, and we are following with keen interest your continued evolution and rapid integration into the world economy.

Conclusion

This business development mission will help strengthen ties, lay the foundation for future agreements, and open the doors to more business in the coming years.

In the days, weeks and months ahead, we will continue to talk and to explore possibilities.

We will find even more opportunities for developing partnerships, applying high-tech solutions, sharing technology and long-term business development.

The network of relationships between Indian and Canada in every filed of endeavour is widening in scope and content. I believe that the commitment of companies, like you see here today, will form one of the strongest pillars of our growing relationship.

Please join me in a toast to working together on our shared goals and to the success of our business ventures.

Merci. (Thank you.)