Minister Bains Held Round-Table Discussion on Canada-India Innovation Opportunities

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 20, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, last week met with business leaders who have interests in India to discuss how to forge global partnerships, grow the economy and create well-paying middle-class jobs in communities across Canada.

In a speech delivered to the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce on June 11, Minister Bains had noted that the Government would explore ways to strengthen collaborations between Canada and India, another diverse country that has always been open to the world. The goal is to position Canada as a global centre for innovation-one that creates new jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians.

Among those taking part in last week's meeting were Lakshmi Raj, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Replicon, a software company, and Pavi Binning, President and Chief Executive Officer of George Weston Limited, Canada's largest food processing and distribution company. Also present were representatives from the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Canada India Foundation and Canada-India Business Council. These organizations are seeking opportunities to forge stronger ties between the two countries, resulting in potential business collaborations that can create jobs for Canadians.

The conversation focused on potential partnerships in areas such as clean technology, information and communication technologies, and people-to-people ties.

The meeting reflects Canada's strength as a culturally diverse society. Canadians bring international and people- to-people ties that will strengthen our partnership with India. Over 1 million people of Indian origin call Canada home.

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"Canada and India are recognized as two resourceful and innovative nations. Through discussions such as these, as well as Canada's recently launched Innovation Agenda, we will explore new partnerships and strategies to benefit both countries."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

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Twitter: @MinisterISED