Canada, India set to enhance trade ties: Tim Uppal

High on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent visit to India, Canadian Minister for Democratic Reforms Tim Uppal on Monday said he was glad over the progress being made in bilateral ties between the countries.

He said trade between two countries is set to rise by three times, given the emerging investments scenario, which would help two nations to create new jobs.

Uppal was speaking to reporters soon after his interaction with students of political science at Khalsa college here.

Flanked by Khalsa College Governing Council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and staff from Canadian High Commission in Delhi, he also planted tree sapling which he dedicated to rising `friendly ties' between Canada and India.

He recalled the PM Harper's visit to Punjab and how effective it was for economic and diplomatic relations.

Speaking on immigrant’s issues, he said he was worried over the `brain drain’ from India and particularly from Punjab to Canada.

"No doubt we are opening up immigration regime and speeding up process of clearing pending immigration cases. But I am worried about huge brain drain. We need specialised professionals but I would advise Punjabi youth not to fall trap to travel agents and consultants who show them false dreams," he said.

He also spoke about abundance energy sources in Canada and how India could benefit from it while Canada need Indian expertise in IT industries and trained work-force.