India keen to accelerate economic ties with Canada: Krishna

June 19, 2012 | Business | Written by

Toronto, June 19: Asserting that India is keen to accelerate economic ties with Canada, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has said there is an increased understanding on both sides about exploring and exploiting the vast untapped potential.

“The Indo-Canadian community is an important asset and an important link in building stronger ties between India and Canada. I want to take this opportunity, and convey through you, Government of India’s deep appreciation to the Indo-Canadian community for their immense contribution in bringing India and Canada closer together,” Krishna told media here.

Emphasising that India-Canada relations have never been as close as they are today, Krishna said: “These have been sustained more recently by a series of high level visits, including frequent interaction between our two Prime Ministers, both during visits to each others’ countries as well as at international summits.”

“Last year was a landmark year in our relations as the Year of India was observed in Canada. It was a celebration of the tremendous space that exists in our bilateral relations. There is immense scope for further cooperation in a number of sectors,” he added.

He further said: “In recent years, our governments have signed several agreements in different areas of cooperation including nuclear cooperation, mining, agriculture, education, and science and technology.”

“We are also discussing other instruments to further facilitate greater trade and commerce between our two countries including a comprehensive economic partnership agreement,” he added.

Krishna further informed that last evening his counterpart Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, joined by three other Cabinet Ministers, hosted a dinner for him.

“He (Baird) flew in from Ottawa on a Sunday evening especially to host me. I am deeply touched and honoured by this special gesture and for his hospitality. It reaffirms, once again the importance that we both attach to India Canada relations,” he said.

“Minister John Baird and I reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations and agreed on further strengthening the relationship. I look forward to receive John Baird in India soon,” he added. (ANI)