By Gurmukh Singh, IANS,
Toronto : Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will lead a trade mission to India in December, his office said Thursday. Ontario province, with Toronto as its capital, is Canada’s powerhouse, accounting for more than 40 percent of the national economy.
Being the hub of Canada’s auto and manufacturing sectors and home to more than 2,600 green technology companies, the province is seeking deeper ties with India in these sectors.
Ontario already has its own trade office in the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi as well as a trade representative in Mumbai.
During this seven-day visit to India, the premier will ‘promote Ontario’s innovative companies, attract investment and turn bright ideas into new green jobs.’
McGuinty and his delegation will travel to Mumbai and Hyderabad, apart from New Delhi.
The delegation will include representatives from Ontario’s leading clean technology companies and focus on how the province’s green solutions can help India grow sustainably.
The premier said, “Ontario is a leader in developing technologies for cleaner air, energy and water. We are eager to put our innovation to work to help India build a greener economy.
“By promoting Ontario’s clean tech ideas in India, we can create jobs here and reduce pollution there.”
Ontario’s minister for international trade and investment, Sandra Pupatello, who will accompany the premier, said, “India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and Ontario is an economic powerhouse within North America.
“We are continuing to build on the important and longstanding relationship we share, to the benefit of both jurisdictions.”
The statement said, “India’s economy is one of the largest and fastest growing in the world. India recently introduced a national plan to fight climate change, focusing on clean, renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency.
“Their efforts to fight global warming have boosted investment in climate-friendly projects, creating opportunities for Ontario companies.”
This will be the second visit to India by the premier. In January 2007, he led a 100-member trade delegation to India.