ICCC-ICBC Roundtable on eve of PBD
‘NRIs can boost ties in Trade,
Technology & Education'

Speakers participating in a Round Table discussion on the Indo-Canada bilateral economic relations on the eve of the recent Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held recently in Hyderabad, identified trade technology and education as the areas in which the Indian diaspora could contribute significantly.
The Round Table with the theme “Diaspora and Trade, Technology and Education Links” was organized by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) jointly with the Hyderabad Chapter of India-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC).
The Canadian side was represented by Ravi Seethapathy, Chairman, S & T Committee of ICCC, Kant Bhargava, Advisor (Senior Executive Advisor) ICCC Swapna Kataria, former Director of Board of ICCC, Dr. Desh B. Sikka, noted expert on Geology and Geomatics based in Ottawa, and Kishore Kumar of ITC, Canada, based in Chennai.
From the Indian side, those participating included, Victor Ispahani, Chairman of Hyderabad Chapter of ICBC, Mr. Gusti Jali Noria, Vice-Chairman, Dr. P.M. Bhargava, Vice-Chairman of National Knowledge Commission, J.C. Sharma, former Secretary, Government of India in charge of Non Resident Indian Affairs, Dr. Arif Waqif, Former Dean, School of Management of University of Hyderabad, Col. M. Vijay Kumar of India-America Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to the Round Table Discussions, accompanied by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Hyderabad Chapter of ICBC, the ICCC representatives had a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Suresh Reddy.
Welcoming the ICCC members Reddy expressed interest in Canada-India Economic Relations in general and about possibilities of developing Canada-Andhra Pradesh business links. He was briefed by ICCC representatives about the recent developments in Canada-India Economic Relations including the signing of an agreement on S & T. The Speaker was also informed about the presence of the large Indian community in the province of Ontario and its contribution to the economy of Ontario.It was also mentioned to him that the Premier of Ontario was very likely to visit India. It was noted that both Ontario and Andhra Pradesh were hosts to a large number of IT and Biotechnology companies. The speaker mooted the possibility of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister playing host to Ontario Premier in case the latter would consider visiting Hyderabad.
The Round Table discussions were moderated by Ravi Seethapathy. He briefed the participants about the possibilities for developing links between Canada and India in the important fields of Trade, Technology and Education in the context of a large and vibrant Indian diaspora. He outlined the contribution of the Indo-Canadians to the economy of Canada and the contribution and their role in the development of links in these vital areas, provided the right atmosphere is created by the two governments for utilizing their bridging potential.
Kant Bhargava, Advisor, ICCC pointed out that the leaders of both Canada and India have highlighted on several occasions the role of Indo-Canadians in strengthening relations between Canada and India. Canada's International Policy Statement also refers implicitly to the bridging potential of Indo-Canadians by pointing out that this is not adequately reflected in the current economic and trade relations between Canada and India. In his opinion the Round Table should reflect as to how best the bridging potential of Indo Canadians can be exploited in an optimal manner for expanding economic and commercial links and for acting as an S & T corridor. Perhaps ICCC and ICBC can develop a Joint Action Plan and share it with the two governments.
Dr. P.M. Bhargava, Vice-Chairman of National Knowledge Commission briefed the participants about the work of the Commission. He observed that Canada and India have a lot to learn from each other in regard to building a knowledge based society and developing a Knowledge Economy through empowerment of societies. He said that it was important to promote in India, the idea that Canada is not an extension of USA and has its own world class achievements. Apart from Bio-technology, Canada was also a safe place for investment in the field of mining. He pointed out that India produced as many as 135 varieties of vegetables and an equal number of fruits having good properties for health which can be introduced in Canada.
Kishore Kumar, representing ITC, referred to opening of office in Chennai, which was also responsible for Andhra Pradesh. He said that the focus of work in his office related to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He pointed out that Canada was home to the largest number of Biotechnology companies in the world. In his view, it was important to put together a forum where interested Indo-Canadians can come together with concerned parties in India. ICBC and ICCC are ideally placed to set up such a forum.
J. C Sharma, former Secretary in-charge of Non Resident Indian Affairs, pointed out the Korean experience and the aggressive manner in which Canadian Companies operated as against the approach of Canadian companies which were given to making complaints. Canadian authorities need to look into the question, as to why Canada's success in India in trade and economic matters has been limited so far. In business, perceptions are more important than reality. Given the size of Punjabi Diaspora, it was important to examine how to leverage its strengths.
He suggested hydro-electric power generation, agro-processing, food processing and dairy industries as useful areas for cooperation and that government of Punjab was keen about the same. Higher education was a very promising area where there is unlimited potential provided the right conditions were created for attracting Indian students. Exchange of students, internship program for MBA students and cooperation for setting up universities in India were also promising areas. He suggested the Canadian government funding studies in the field of environmental management where Canada has world class expertise. In his view, situation resulting from post 1998 nuclear tests is behind us and there is now a fund of goodwill for Canada. He pointed out the political strength of Indo Canadians. As many as 30 of them would be contesting the forthcoming elections.
Vijay Kumar of Indo America Chamber of Commerce pointed out some practical issues such as ease in movement of businessmen, avoidance of double taxation for IT and Telecommunication companies. He cited the example of EXIM Bank of USA establishing direct contact with Indian companies and suggested grass root and people to people level contacts.
Dr Arif Waqif of the Association of Management Development Institutions of South Asia (AMDISA) referred to the need for exchange of students and faculty members between Canada and India, in the field of environmentally sustainable development. He suggested that IDRC and CIDA might consider supporting programs of AMDISA in these areas.
Raghu Bhargava, Vice-President, Corporate Strategies of SATYAM pointed out the shortage that the IT industry will face in manpower. Canadian and Indian authorities needed to address how best they can cooperate for meeting this shortage. He pointed out that Bio-informatics was a promising area for cooperation.
In conclusion, Kant Bhargava, Advisor ICCC suggested that ICCC and ICBC should work out a Joint Plan of Action and respectively concentrate their efforts for making India a priority country in Canada and making Canada a priority country for India. The two organizations should also direct their efforts for making effective contributions to the building of Canada-India Partnership in the 21st Century in Trade, Education and Technology by mobilizing the potential contribution that Indo-Canadians can make in this regard.
- Wg. Cdr. Vijay Mahajan