To explore bilateral trade with Saskatchewan
In a bid to strengthen trade, investment and innovation links, Gujarat signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Province of Saskatchewan. The MoUs were signed in a meeting between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and a delegation comprising senior government representatives from the Province of Saskatchewan and Canadian High Commission officials on Saturday.
Two MoUs were signed between the State of Gujarat and Province of Saskatchewan for development and reinforcement of future economic and technological cooperation in the fields of natural resources and trade development in the coming years. Another MoU was signed between the Saskatchewan Province and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) for the exchange of scientific, technical and regulatory information in the fields of energy and value-added industries related to mineral resources. While a further one was signed between the Province and Gujarat-based academic institution Charutar Vidya Mandal.
Led by the Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, the delegation is seeking to strengthen trade, investment and innovation links between the western Canadian province and the state of Gujarat. Canada has been a dedicated business partner to Gujarat and follows on from the recently-concluded Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit where Canada was the Partner Country, an official release stated.
Addressing the delegation, Modi said, "The visit of Saskatchewan delegation will further strengthen the relations between the Saskatchewan and Gujarat. During the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit, MoUs were signed in the areas of fertilizers and human and industrial waste. This delegation visit to Gujarat will further boost the relations to new heights. There are many sectors like oil and gas which have immense potential to grow between the two regions."
India's imports from Saskatchewan increased 679.8 per cent between 2000 and 2009, with imports in 2009 comprising primarily potash, peas and lentils. Saskatchewan, the world’s largest producer of potash, sold more potash to India than any country apart from the United States.
"This mission is key to securing and encouraging the growth of both Gujarat and Saskatchewan. Gujarat is a growing superpower, and frankly we have what it needs — food, energy, minerals, and expertise. This is an opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship with respect to agriculture, strategic investment, research and innovation partnership," said Wall.
