Canada's MP Discusses Roadmap for Bilateral Ties

Jan 14, 2020

An interactive meeting was organised in honour of Hon. Sonia Sidhu, Member of Canada’s House of Commons (MP) from Brampton South by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI). Hon. Sidhu said, “My mission is to promote trade and investment between India and Canada and understand obstacles faced by trade and industry in doing business with Canada. I will discuss your challenges and suggestions with our newly elected government in Canada and new High Commissioner of India in Toronto to prepare a roadmap for enhancing bilateral relationship. This is the second time I have been elected as member of Parliament in Canada. Compared to last time, I see renewed excitement among Indians and Canadians in my constituency to strengthen partnership with India. Therefore, I am here to learn how we can take this relationship forward.”

Hon. Sidhu suggested investors from India and Canada to avail benefit of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) signed by both countries.

Hon. Sidhu remarked, “The newly elected government in Canada has provided thrust on information technology, electric mobility, healthcare and other development areas, where both countries can work together. We can also work together in areas of gender equality, skill development, healthcare, education, tourism, waste management, drugs and pharmaceuticals.”

Hon. Sidhu pointed out that currently bilateral trade is largely concentrated in a few items such as pulses, pharmaceuticals, coal, fertilisers, iron & steel and precious stones. “We can enlarge this trade basket through frequent exchange of delegation in sectors such as oil and gas, that has great potential,” she remarked.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai pointed out, “We should create awareness among trade & industry about Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) that is in force between both countries.”

Mr. Kalantri emphasised on the need to expand mutual relationship beyond trade through exchange of culture, sports and tourism. In order to promote people-to-people contact, Government of Canada can set up a full time visa office in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. He also discussed the possibility of strengthening air connectivity to strengthen people to people movement.

Mr. Kalantri said, “Through concerted efforts, we can double the current trade volume in next three years, in the form of enhanced exports and imports.”

In Photo:

From (L-R): Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Hon. Ms. Sonia Sidhu, Captain Somesh Batra and Ms. Rupa Naik.