16 November 2009
Mumbai, India
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today addressed Indian business leaders, emphasizing that Canada and India must forge stronger trade, investment and educational ties between the two countries.
“Canada stands beside India as a steadfast and faithful friend,” said the Prime Minister during his speech outlining the many historical, cultural, social and economic ties between the two countries. “These bonds are a solid foundation upon which we can build an even stronger, more productive friendship.”
With two-way trade approaching $5 billion, Canada and India relations have strengthened over the past few years. There have been eleven Canadian Ministerial visits since January 2006, new institutional frameworks for cooperation and the openings of three new trade offices in 2009. Both countries also engage in regular and expert-level dialogue in areas as diverse as counterterrorism, science and technology, agricultural cooperation, the environment, and energy.
The Prime Minister also noted Canada and India's common fight against terrorism. “Both our countries have been bloodied by and bear the scars of terror. We are united, as free and democratic nations, in our effort to defeat those who pursue political violence against innocent people.”
While in Mumbai, the Prime Minister took part in the launch of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s (CTC) emerging market strategy – a direct result of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. As part of the CTC’s campaign to showcase Canada as a must-see destination for Indian tourists, the Prime Minister presented a prototype of the Olympic torch to Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, one of 14 international torchbearers who will run in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
“The untapped potential in our relationship is undeniable,” added the Prime Minister. “We have much to offer each other and the world. So let us together seize the opportunities that will help us realize a brighter, even more prosperous future.”
