$98 Million in Agreements Announced on Day 1 of India Trade Mission

Premier Kathleen Wynne began her first trade mission to India in New Delhi by meeting with national political officials and business leaders and announcing agreements with Indian partners valued at $98 million.

Ontario-based Novo Plastics announced that it will start the production and sale of the world’s first plastic exhaust system in India. This ground-breaking technology was made with support from the Ontario Innovation Demonstration Fund.

The trade mission also provided opportunities for leaders from Ontario and India to share expertise in the areas of research, technology and skills development. Ontario businesses and educational institutions announced several new partnerships in New Delhi, including: Seneca College and the Max Institute of Health and Education and Research will partner to train 3,500 medical sales graduates. India’s Life Sciences Sector Skills Development Council identified the need for 20,000 trained medical sales representatives; National Skills Development Corporation and five Ontario colleges launched a joint initiative that is aimed at enhancing training programs to Canadian and international standards while strengthening educational and economic ties between Ontario and India. The Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation will invest $900,000 to support three strategic, bilateral research collaborations under the Ontario-India Research Collaboration Fund, to support researchers from Ontario and India who are involved in developing new anti-malarial treatments, new water purification technologies and a community energy storage system. This funding will be matched by India’s Department of Science and Technology and Department of Biotechnology.

The Premier delivered a keynote address on the economic benefits of fighting climate change to several hundred Indian business leaders and innovators at the Economic Times Global Business Summit. The Premier also participated in a panel with female parliamentarians from Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka on empowering women through skills development and economic independence.

While in New Delhi, Premier Wynne signed Ontario’s first MOU with the state of Andhra Pradesh. This agreement will make it easier for the two regions to share knowledge about climate change and will support economic cooperation through joint activities such as seminars, trade missions and conferences. She also met with the Deputy Chief Minister of New Delhi, Manish Sisodia.

“My trade mission to India is off to a positive and successful start. I have met with Indian political leaders and business innovators to showcase Ontario’s expertise in infrastructure, sustainable development and technology. Throughout the mission, I will continue to raise Ontario’s profile in India, and open doors for Ontario businesses,” said Kathleen Wynne.

The Premier also met with several other national political leaders, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development. During her time in New Delhi, Premier Wynne toured the Sunlight Colony to witness first-hand the important work that Asha has been doing to empower women and children. While there, she spoke to the colony’s residents about the importance of education.

“The strong start to the mission demonstrates Ontario’s expertise and innovation across a range of sectors including information technology, advanced manufacturing and education. The province’s businesses and institutions have a proven track record in building international collaborations that in turn strengthens our economy at home,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

Attracting new investment and helping the province’s businesses compete globally is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan is investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

“India is a priority market and an important trade partner for Ontario. The agreements reached in New Delhi highlight our made-in-Ontario innovations and reinforce Ontario’s brand globally. Ontario’s experience and expertise in sustainable development and urban infrastructure will help India achieve its goals as well as create high-value jobs and investment opportunities across our province,” Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade