Canada’s Natural Resources Minister, the Honourable Joe Oliver, today concluded his official visit to India, where he promoted Canada’s position as a safe, secure and reliable supplier of energy to the world. Minister Oliver travelled to New Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad from January 11 until January 16, 2014.
Minister Oliver’s successful visit to India supports the government’s priority of strengthening international relationships to increase and diversify Canada’s natural resource markets. Minister Oliver highlighted the government’s efforts to promote energy opportunities in the expanding economies of Asia. His activities included:
- Delivering remarks at PETROTECH 2014, the 11th International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, in Greater Noida, India;
- Signing a Letter of Intent to develop and expand mutual cooperation in the iron and steel sector and allied industries;
- Witnessing the signing of a Letter of Renewal (LOR) to extend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Natural Resources Canada and India’s Ministry of Mines to advance bilateral cooperation in earth sciences and mining with the industrial sectors;
- Meeting with senior government officials, including Beni Prasad Verma, India’s Minister of Steel; Veerappa Moily, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Environment and Forest; and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission;
- Meeting with industry representatives to promote Canada’s position as a responsible energy supplier;
- Announcing Canada’s support for a Canadian wood products trade office in Mumbai; and
- Delivering the keynote address to the Confederation of Indian Industries.
“Our government is committed to meeting the strategic imperative of diversifying our energy markets and strengthening our position as a globally competitive exporter. With much of the spadework behind us, India and Canada are ready to enter a new era of cooperation and commerce that will help create jobs and opportunities across our country.”
Joe Oliver
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
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