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The Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) is organizing the India Calling Conference from June 16-17 in Toronto & 18-19 in Vancouver in association with Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), Canada-India Business Council (CIBC) and Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) This year Canada has been chosen as the Partner Country for India Calling 2008 on the strength of each other's strategic business importance and growing opportunities. The choice of Canada for the India Calling 2008 was reinforced at the invitations of Government of Ontario & Government of British Columbia.

Moreover, the Conference enjoys the support of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India and Government of Maharashtra.

The Premier of Ontario Dalton McGunity and the Premier of British Columbia Gordon Campbell have expressed their willingness to address the conference as Chief guests in Toronto and Vancouver respectively. Leading luminaries of Canadian and Indian business are expected to address the varied sessions.

The Conference will be graced by Kapil Sibal, Minister of Science & Technology & Ocean Development, Government of India, Ravi Vayalar, Minister of Overseas India Affairs, D. Purandeswari, Minister of State for Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Suresh Prabhu, Member of Parliament & Former Union Minister of Power.

The industrialists & strategists who will participate are Sam Pitroda, Chairman of National Knowledge Commission, India, Dr. Partha Ghosh, Associate MIT, Boston & former MD, Mc Kinsey and Co and Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman, PRAJ Industries Limited, G S Gill, IAS, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO), Jayant Kawale, IAS, Joint Secretary-Hydro Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Sankaran, IAS, Principal Secretary - Higher & Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Deepak Ghaisas, CEO, I-Flex Solutions, Uttam Khobragade, IAS, General Manager, Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking, Ravi Mehrotra, CBE, Chairman, Foresight Limited, Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Vice Chancellor, University of Pune .

The other dignitaries who are expected to participate are Karan Bilimoria, Chief Executive, Cobra Beer Ltd, Neelabh Bhattacharya, Director, Suzlon Ltd. D S Brar, Chairman, GVK Biosciences Pvt. Ltd. and Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Sterlite Industries.

About 100 senior level public & private sectors executives are expected to participate from India along with 200 - 250 counterparts from Canada and adjoining region.

The subjects chosen for discussion would include, among others, areas which may be of relevance to NER such as alternate energy and hydro power, mining, forestry and wood products, bio tech and life sciences, education, information and communication technology Considering recent emphasis on business opportunities and potential being highlighted in various forums in and outside the country together with the excellent and exclusive incentive package for investment. The Conference should provide a good forum for any organization to create awareness of opportunities among the participants which will include about 100 CEOs of leading Indian companies and 200-250 counterparts from Canada and adjoining regions. The participating company could be promoting business developments which could be of interest to the rest of the delegation.

In a Nutshell

Focus Areas in Toronto:
• Alternate Energy - Bio Fuel, Zero Energy, Efficiency. Techniques of Optimum Energy, Hydro Power
• Low Cost Housing / Affordable Housing
• Trade & Investment Opportunities
• Education - Commercialisation of IP/ Incubation
• Auto Components
• Infrastructure - Ports; Aviation - Aeronautical Engineering

Focus Areas in Vancouver:
• Education - Vocational Training & Research
• Biotech, Life Sciences and Nano Technology
• Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
• Alternative Energy and Power (fuel cells, wind power, environmental goods & services, etc)
• Transportation and logistics (air, maritime)
• Global Warming
• Mining & Coal

There would be visits arranged to Manufacturing Facilities /Universities/Research Technology Organization as well as match making session between Indian delegates and local businessmen.