CHANDIGARH, India, October 25, 2003 -- Canada and India signed an agreement today to cooperate in the field of geomatics. The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister for Punjab, signed the agreement in India.Minister Dhaliwal was in Chandigarh today to accompany Prime Minister Jean Chrétien at a ceremony to officially open the new Canadian Consulate General."Today's signing is an important step in implementing projects that will benefit the geomatics sector of both our countries," said Minister Dhaliwal. "It will help Canada and India develop greater collaboration and lay the foundation for future projects, and it advances the Government of Canada's commitment to the sustainable development of our natural resources."Minister Dhaliwal first discussed the agreement during a business development mission to India in November 2002. Since that mission, the Government of Canada has entered into similar agreements for geomatics and geosciences with the Indian ministries responsible for mines, science and technology.Under the agreement, public and private sector partners would provide estimates of crop yields and production in an agricultural region in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Proponents will use state-of-the-art information technologies, ground measurements and modeling techniques to produce estimates that are more timely and accurate than previously possible. This pilot project, currently under discussion, may lead to similar projects in other states in India.The global market for geomatics products and geoscience services is estimated to reach between $45 billion and $67 billion (excluding the space sector) by 2004. Both Canada and India have strong capabilities in the development and use of geomatics knowledge and geoinformation technologies.By advancing knowledge, innovation, technology and international leadership, this agreement contributes to the economic importance of natural resources, and to a strong society and communities. In this way, we can integrate our economic, social and environmental goals, ensure our quality of life and build the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations.For more information, media may contact: Alexandra MuirDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the MinisterNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 947-8246 Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 992-4447
