The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Canada's minister of natural resources, is on a trade mission to India from Nov. 10-16. The 45 Canadian companies that went with him specialize in geoscience, geomatics, energy, mining, and forest products. The mission is part of a federal initiative to develop new markets with India. The trip, said Dhaliwal is part of a "re-engagement" between the two countries.
On Nov. 13, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the State of Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement establishing a framework for co-operation in the field of geospatial information. The areas of geomatics, geoscience and geographic information technology are all covered. Other agreements in sciences, technology, coal and mining were expected to be signed during the visit.
"The natural resources sector and allied industries play an important role as a major engine of economic growth and job creation in all regions of both of our countries," said Dhaliwal. "In addition, Canada and India share a belief that a key to improving the quality of life is through sustainable resources developmentmeeting our needs today while ensuring that future generations are able to meet their needs."
Mineral production in India during 1999-2000 was US$10 billion (about 2% of the gross domestic product) and the GDP grew 5.4% in 2002 over 2001. Canada's exports to that country were Cdn$656 million in 2001, a 20% increase compared with the previous year.
The Business Development Mission to India is featured at NRCan's web site, www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
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