Indo-Canadian initiatives to boost bilateral trade

TORONTO: India and Canada have launched ten joint initiatives worth $17 million to boost their bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology, particularly to explore creative ways to develop next-generation research.

The announcement was made by Indian Minister of Science and Technology Kapil Sibal and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade David Emerson here.

"Our governments understand the need for establishing international research partners and the critical role played by Science and Technology in the new economy. These joint projects will enhance the collaboration between our scientists and commercialise their discoveries," they said in a joint statement yesterday.

"The initiative will strengthen bilateral cooperation, help the industry and will go a long way in uplifting the face of rural India," the Indian Minister said.

Sibal underlined that the partnership is designed to explore creative ways of developing next-generation research cooperation between the two countries in the critical areas of biofuels, particularly in the context of avoiding encroachment on agri-foodsand nanotechnology applications.

Eight of the joint initiatives are in the field of agriculture, environment, food processing, health IT, energy, aeronautics and watershed management, and two are related to partnership-development activities, Sibal said.

Under the latter, the University of Toronto in collaboration with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research will undertake projects of mutual benefits.

Canada-India Foundation (CIF) will be actively involved in the partnership-development activities. The focus will be to develop low-cost and affordable technology that benefits the rural masses.