The Hindu Business Line : Canada optimistic of trade ties with India

Montreal, June 27 Canada and India are set to explore closer trade ties and investment opportunities. This clearly was the sense that emerged from the Agri Business Forum that was part of International Economic Forum of the North Americas held recently in Montreal.

India was the focus of attention at the agribusiness forum where day-long deliberations centered on the theme: “Embracing the future – agriculture and agri-food priorities and partnership opportunities for India and Canada”.

Evolution and growth of Indian agriculture and market trends, retail opportunities, India’s position in international trade as also trade policies and competitive pressures were topics on which experts shared their perception.

The meeting is seen as a positive step towards greater cooperation between Canada and India. Canada is already a large supplier of agricultural commodities such as pulses and wheat to India; and is keen to further expand its share.

Talking to this correspondent, during a dinner hosted in honour of the visiting Indian delegation that included Mr Kantilal Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, and other government officials, Mr Chuck Strahl, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for Canadian Wheat Board, expressed optimism that bilateral trade volumes and values would pick up momentum. He was particularly gratified that India has emerged as a large buyer of Canadian pulses and wheat, and hoped that India would soon begin to import Canadian canola oil (rapeseed oil) too. He was keen to know more about investment opportunities in India.