PRIME MINISTER HARPER TO VISIT INDIA

StarBuzz, Toronto- 

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to India from November 3-9, 2012.  He will be accompanied by Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,  Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), and Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), along with representatives of the business and cultural sectors.

“Canada enjoys a strong working and personal relationship with India but we must further strenghthen 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."

During his visit the Prime Minister will meet with Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, and other ministers and officials from the Indian government.  He will also address the World Economic Forum on India, an independent international organization 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 is increasing. The strength of the ties between the two countries is also reflected in the estimated 1 million Canadians of Indian origin and that more than 23,000 Indian students are currently studying in Canada, makingIndia the second-largest source of foreign students to Canada.