Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Global Investors Summit (GIS) held in Bhopal has not only aimed at attracting investment in Madhya Pradesh but also offered a platform for Indian startups to explore opportunities in Canada. On the final day of the summit, the ‘Canada Roundtable’ session was conducted to highlight Canada’s investment potential and create pathways for collaboration between the two countries. The roundtable, attended by around 20 Indian founders and three Canadian delegates, focused on sectors such as advanced agriculture, technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Canadian delegates emphasised the strengths of their country’s investment climate, inviting Indian businesses to invest. They pointed out that many Canadian companies, particularly in ed-tech, automobile and FMCG industries, have already invested billions of Canadian dollars in India. Jens-Michael Schaal, Vice President of Global Expansion, provided an overview of the investment environment in both India and Canada, noting the ease of doing business in both countries. He explained that India faces minimal jurisdictional challenges and that Canada’s clean tech policies offer great incentives for Indian investors.
During the session, Rahul Singh, an Indian startup founder, enquired about the possibility of Canada reducing import duties. In response, Jennifer Dauberry, a Canadian diplomat, assured that such negotiations could take place soon.
Canadian diplomat highlights positive economic transition
Speaking to Free Press, Dauberry, who has been residing in India since 2022, highlighted the positive transformation she has witnessed in India's economic landscape over the last four years. The visit marked her first time in Madhya Pradesh. She emphasised that strong bilateral relations between India and Canada make such summits a valuable opportunity for fostering domestic and international investments. Dauberry further noted that the summit would lead to enhanced collaboration between Canada and Madhya Pradesh, paving the way for future business and investment ventures between the two countries.
