FREDERICTON (GNB) – A week-long investment mission to India by two provincial cabinet ministers has wrapped up.
“After having learned what kind of demand there is from India, we now know it is more critical than ever for New Brunswick to continue on the path of safe and responsible natural resource development," said Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard.
“Having seen the possibilities first-hand, I can say there is significant potential for New Brunswick to secure investment from Indian companies,” said Economic Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “We need to further explore these opportunities.”
During the five-day, three-city mission, both ministers spoke about the synergism between New Brunswick and India. They promoted energy, mining, advanced manufacturing, back-office functions and information technology as key sectors for investment.
During their visit to Mumbai, Leonard, Fitch and Invest NB staff met with the Aditya Birla Group, the National Association of Software and Services Companies and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. They participated in a roundtable on back-office processing and held a networking reception for the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber.
While in Ahmedabad, the New Brunswick delegation met with other Indian government officials, including Saurabh Patel, minister of energy, petrochemicals, mines and minerals.
Leonard delivered a speech to energy industry experts at Pandit Deendayal University. Both ministers hosted a seminar on doing business with New Brunswick.
Fitch signed two separate memorandums of understanding, one with the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and another with the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber, both of which will support collaboration between these chambers and Invest NB.
Leonard addressed the India Energy Conclave 2013 and discussed smart grid technology and renewable energy. Fitch delivered the keynote address. Both were invited to open the summit at a traditional candle-lighting ceremony.
The delegation visited a fertilizer manufacturing facility and discussed natural gas opportunities.
In New Delhi, the ministers met with Saumitra Chaudri, a member of the Planning Commission of India, and Stewart Beck, high commissioner of Canada to India.
Also in New Delhi, they met with ONGCC Videsh Ltd. and the Indian Oil Corp. on oil and gas development, and with a minister from the Government of India, Veerappa Moily, union minister for petroleum and natural gas. They also held a networking reception for 70 guests at Canada House.