Canada keen on engaging with Tamil Nadu in IT, clean energy

CHENNAI: Canada today evinced interest in engaging with Tamil Nadu in the areas of IT and clean energy, besides expanding cooperation in various sectors, including automobiles.

This was stated by visiting Canadian Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, Chris Alexander during his meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, a state government release said.

"While Canadian enterprises would be interested in furthering the cooperation already existing in sectors like automobile and auto components, agro and marine food processing and partnerships with higher educational institutions, further cooperation is possible in terms of IT, particularly clean energy like Wind and Solar power and Biotechnology," the release quoted him as saying.

Panneerselvam, who outlined the state's conducive atmosphere for business, told the Canadian delegation led by Alexander that Tamil Nadu was a 'hub' in automobiles and auto components, electronic hardware and engineering.

Tamil Nadu was a major exporter of readymade garments, textiles, cotton yarn, gem and jewellery, organic chemicals and marine food products among others to Canada, Panneerselvam said, adding there are 42 Canadian companies, including joint ventures, in the state.

Panneerselvam, who also outlined social, economic and cultural relations between Canada and Tamil Nadu, invited that country's representatives for his government's Global Investor Meet scheduled in May this year, the release said, adding Alexander expressed confidence that Canada would be bringing a 'large business delegation.'