Canadian delegation visits Punjab; trade, investment discussed

A Canadian delegation headed by Leslie Marchant, Director, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, held a meeting with Punjab government officials here today for exploring areas of partnership with Ontario state of Canada.
In the meeting, Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal mentioned that under the state's 'ease of business' mission, Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion has been set up as the single point of contact for investors in the state.
"Such a single window structure shall facilitate the investments to be made by Ontario companies in the state," an official release quoted him as saying.
Anirudh Tewari, Principal Secretary (Industries) stated that Punjab offers opportunity to investors in areas like renewable energy, food processing, agriculture and knowledge industries.

Ontario generates 37 per cent of Canada's GDP and is home to almost 50 per cent of all employees in high tech, financial services and other knowledge-intensive industries, Marchant said.
She further said that Ontario is willing to partner Punjab in areas of urban infrastructure, clean/renewable energy, information and communication technologies, advanced manufacturing (automotive, food manufacturing and processing), agriculture, education and skills development, among others.
This was a preparatory meet before for the upcoming visit of Ontario premier Kathleen Wynee.
Wynee is scheduled to lead a business delegation to meet Punjab Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in the first week of February 2016.