Consul General of India Marks First Official Visit to Mississauga

The following is a statement by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, following the first official visit of Consul General Akhilesh Mishra of India to the City of Mississauga, on Monday, June 8th, 2015.

“Good afternoon, everyone.

“On behalf of all Members of Council, I would like to formally welcome Consul General Akhilesh Mishra to the City of Mississauga, on the occasion of your first visit with us.

“I would like to recognize those Members of Council who are joining us, along with members of our corporate leadership team.

“Over the past weekend, I was delighted to attend the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Awards Gala.

“It was a celebration of ideas, enterprise, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“It was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Mississauga’s relationship with India.

“Mississauga is home to an active, engaged and thoughtful Indian population which continues to invest back in our City as successful business owners, committed public servants, renowned academics, and dedicated volunteers.

“Mississauga is also home to a number of Indian-based businesses, including: Air India; Ranbaxy Pharmaceutical Canada; the State Bank of India Canada; and Wipro Technologies.

“I single out these four companies as examples, because each is an important part of Mississauga’s four key industry sectors, which include: information and communications technology; financial services; life sciences; and automotive and aerospace.

“In fact, Mississauga is home to the second largest aerospace cluster in Canada and the second largest life sciences cluster as well.

And just last week, the University of Toronto at Mississauga and the Mississauga Academy of Medicine held its first graduation ceremony of new medical doctors.

“These new professionals will add to our wealth of human capital, and further elevate the prominence our life sciences industry.

“In 2006, my predecessor Hazel McCallion embarked on an important trade mission to India.

“I am committed to building on former mayor McCallion’s work through the new Mississauga International Partnership Program Committee.

“This Committee is identifying strategies and setting goals to elevate Mississauga’s globally renowned reputation as a leading destination for entrepreneurs and established businesses to invest; develop and test new marketable concepts; expand service offerings; create local jobs; and achieve unrivalled success.

“Strengthening connections with global communities will better prepare us to welcome international delegations of incoming trade missions to Mississauga.

“And I am delighted that Dharma P. Jain, President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce is part of this new advisory group, and that the voice of Indian commerce is being heard.

“Today we commemorate Consul General Mishra’s important visit as an opportunity to strengthen relations between Mississauga and India.

“Working together, we will further promote economic development opportunities; the exchange of knowledge and best practices; and celebrate a far greater appreciation and understanding of Canada and India’s enriching cultural traditions and shared values.

“Once again, let me formally recognize and welcome Consul General Mishra and congratulate you on your new appointment to the Toronto region.”