Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 26. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper begins his seven-day official visit to India from November 3. Accompanied by both of his ministerial colleagues of Punjabi origin, Bal Gosal and Tim Uppal, he would also visit Chandigarh during his trip.
It will be Stephen Harper’s second visit to India.
“Canada enjoys a strong working and personal relationship with India but we must further strengthen the links between our two countries,” said the Prime Minister.
“India is a growing economy with enormous potential, and expanding our trade and investment links with India will create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity here in Canada.”
Accompanying him will be a big business and cultural delegation besides five ministers. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Joe Oliver.
Minister of Natural Resources and Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), and Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) will be part of the official delegation.
Other than meeting with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his ministerial colleagues, Stephen Harper will also address the World Economic Forum on India, an independent international organisation committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders.
Trade between India, one of the fastest growing economies, and Canada has been on the rise.
The strength of the ties between the two countries is reflected in the estimated 1 million Canadians of Indian origin residing there.
Stephen Harper would also visit Agra, Chandigarh and Bangalore.
