“North India and Manitoba, Canada are growing business partners because there is an immense business potential between the two regions” informed Hon. Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba, Canada while stressing on regional cooperation at a Session on Opportunities in Manitoba, Canada organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), at its Headquarters here in Sector 31 Chandigarh.

Hon. Greg Selinger further shared that, “With over 250 companies in the value-added food processing industry, it is the largest manufacturing sector in Manitoba, representing 25% of total provincial manufacturing shipments. There are many food development centers opening up in Manitoba, which are helping many small scale industries.” He also laid stress on the increasing focus on the use of clean energy and said, “Manitoba is positioned to become a Canadian leader in renewable-energy production. He said that 98% of the total energy generated in Manitoba comes in the form of hydro electricity out of which 40 % is exported to USA. He opined that North India & Manitoba can foster cooperation in the sector, which would also help in combating climate change.
 
Mr R M Khanna, Past Chairman, CII Northern Region stated that India and Canada have had longstanding bilateral relations, dating back to the early years of India’s independence. He further said that the complementary nature of both the economies of India & Canada presents a unique set of factors that can be leveraged for mutual benefit. He shared that CII envisions building a broad India – Canada collaborative partnership framework, based on deeper economic and commercial exchanges. A commitment to tariff liberalization and greater transparency in the regulatory framework is of paramount importance in realizing this vision.
 
Ms Bonnie de Moissac, Manager, International Business Development - India, Entrepreneurship Training & Trade, Government of Manitoba shared the business potential in Manitoba said that Manitoba’s Total Trade with India in 2011 was $141.3 million. She added that areas of Cooperation between Manitoba and North India include Aerospace, Agri-Business, Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Environment & Energy, Research & Development and Transportation. Dwelling on cooperation in Agriculture, she mentioned that Manitoba is home to globally competitive agricultural machinery manufacturers.  Its companies’ capabilities cover a broad cross-section – including tractors, cultivation equipment, and grain handling and storage equipment manufacturers, which would be suitable for North India.
 
Ms Cheryl Prokopanko, International Education Branch, Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy, presented the education perspective in Manitoba and shared that there is wide range of options for students to choose from like Short-term study, Language programes, Secondary student exchanges, College diplomas/ degrees, University Degrees.
 
Mr Ben Steven Rempel, Assistant Deputy Minister, Manitoba Immigration and Multiculturalism shared that Manitoba recognises that immigration is critical to building a strong and vibrant society. Further, apprising the audience of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), Mr Rempel said that Manitoba continues to select and nominate potential immigrants for permanent residence based on Manitoba’s labour market needs. The immigration Division of Manitoba offers a full range of services responsive to newcomer needs. These include arrival services, initial assessment, orientation and referrals, language training, employment and integrating programes.
 
Mr Man Mohan Singh, Vice Chairman, CII Chandigarh Council said,“Both countries must relentlessly pursue the bilateral agenda – at not only the government and private sector level, but also in terms of building public-private partnerships. Concrete steps need to be taken to build a multi-dimensional collaborative framework that leads to sustained economic growth and job creation for both countries, translating into a truly win- win partnership”.