Shri Manish, India’s general consul to Vancouver, visited Kelowna last weekend to meet with local business leaders and participate in the Vaisakhi Festival. During his visit, Shri Manish met with officials from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) to discuss the state of trade between India and Western Canada.
According to Derek Gratz, chamber board executive and associate director of UBCO’s university-industry liaison office, the talks covered ongoing negotiations between Canada and India on a foreign investment promotion protection agreement and a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. An announcement on these negotiations may be made at the G20 summit in New Delhi later this year.
Trade between Canada and India amounted to $10.1 billion in merchandise in 2019, and Gratz highlighted opportunities for Canadian companies in areas such as transportation infrastructure, life sciences, clean energy technology, natural resources, and defence and security.
Gratz also noted the significant presence of Indian students at UBCO, with 60% of the 600 Indian students enrolled there pursuing graduate studies. The education exchange and research focus between India and Canada were commended as remarkable.
The visit by the Indian general consul highlights the growing trade and cultural ties between India and Western Canada. As negotiations continue towards stronger economic partnerships, both countries can benefit from increased trade and investment opportunities.