April 6, 2005 No. 61 International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today announced that the Government of Canada and the Government of India have signed a Joint Declaration on Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation. “India is a true economic giant that boasts the largest emerging consumer market in the world,” said Minister Peterson. “Canada wants to be part of it—including in the area of science and technology. Conversely, I want India to think of Canada when it wants to access the NAFTA market.” Building on Prime Minister Paul Martin’s visit to India in January, the Joint Declaration sets the groundwork for an agreement with India on cooperation in science and technology. The agreement would further develop the S&T linkages between the two countries in academia, government and the private sector, and implement the recommendations of the Canada-India Science and Technology Study released in November 2004. Information about this study can be found at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/asia/country/india-sci-tech-en.asp. National science advisors of the two countries will begin to identify areas of cooperation, including biotechnology, health research, the next generation of information technologies, sustainable energy and space and environmental research. “Canada and India are both strongly committed to increasing their science and technology capacities. Important new investments by both countries in this area present unique opportunities to pool resources, share knowledge and open doors for both Canadian and Indian scientists and companies,” said Minister Peterson. Minister Peterson was also pleased to accept an invitation from the Confederation of Indian Industry and India’s Department of Science and Technology to be the “partner country” of the 11th Technology Summit and Technology Platform to take place in New Delhi next September. The Summit will provide key representatives from industry, academic and research institutions, and government with the opportunity to showcase Canadian innovation. During the trade mission, Minister Peterson also announced that a Canada-India CEO round table will be held in Canada later this year. This event will increase awareness of trade and investment opportunities, and will further brand Canada in India and mainstream India in Canada. It will provide a dialogue between top executives of both countries, which will enable them to familiarize each other with key corporate and business objectives and capabilities, explore opportunities for business development and discuss long-term trade and investment goals. To this end, Minister Peterson met with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath, who also agreed to lead a trade mission to Canada in the fall. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Jacqueline LaRocque Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Trade (613) 992-7332 Media Relations Office International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca
