Canada, Gujarat to promote SME growth

Businessmen from Canada and Gujarat will partner to promote small businesses in the agriculture, food processing, ICT, financial services and renewable energy among others in both the places. Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Indo Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) on Tuesday renewed their previous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard.

ICCC president Dhanjal Kanwar highlighted ICCC's India Mission 2018, that is focused on cooperation and collaboration among small businesses, bilateral investment opportunities and invited Indian companies to visit Canada. "Now there will be frequent visits by delegations of both parties. Canada wants to reduce its reliance on USA as a trading partner and is looking at various options. It has well developed capacities in renewable energy, food processing and niche technologies. However, one clear objective is to support small businesses from both sides," said Shailesh Patwari, president of GCCI.

Canada also has a mature ecosystem for startups and could be one of the areas where Gujarat and Canada can cooperate. Canadian companies like Bombardier (which makes coaches for metro train) and McCain have manufacturing facilities in Gujarat. Impressed with the Ease of Doing Business in Canada, some of the local IT companies have also established their offices in Canada. Being a partner in North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA), Canada is also looked upon as an attractive destination to cater to the American market as well.