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Canadian International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, who was supposed to lead a business delegation to India starting October 7, has postponed his visit in the wake of the US terror attacks.
The mission was Pettigrew's first official visit to India, and part of Canada's policy to re-engage with the country.
Over 1,000 Indian companies and businessmen had reportedly registered to attend seminars and meetings as part of the mission.
Those organising the mission in India included the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
"I am very disappointed we have to postpone our trade mission," Pettigrew said.
"Given the evolving situation in neighbouring countries, however, the staff and resources at our missions in India need to be fully focused on assisting the large number of Canadians currently residing and travelling in the region, and helping with humanitarian efforts."
The trade mission to New Delhi and Mumbai will take place at the earliest mutually convenient date, Pettigrew's assistant Sebastien Theberge said in a statement from Ottawa.
Muray Jans, executive director of the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) that is mandated to promote trade between the two countries, called the postponement of the mission "a major disappointment for us."
"We have been looking forward to this mission as a breakthrough in terms of rebuilding and re-engaging India. From a trade and business development point of view this mission was to be the first major activity in the re-engagement program, a sort of watershed for us," Jans said.
He, however, appealed to the government to "pick a date in the later part of February, March or April, instead of just postponing the meet." He said: "If we don't fix a definite date, the mission may keep getting postponed."
Pettigrew has told Jans that India was a potentially massive market for Canadian goods, services and technology.
He further said the country presents promising opportunities in several sectors, especially IT and telecommunications, energy, transportation and infrastructure, agriculture and agri-food, education services and environment.
"I can assure you that strengthening Canada's trade and investment relationship with India is a priority," Pettigrew added.
"I have been in touch with the Indian minister of commerce and industry and with the Indian High Commissioner in Ottawa, and reiterated my interest in leading a trade mission to India as soon as possible."
According to the C-IBC executive director, the postponement of the mission is connected with the risk of possible US military action in the region to avenge the September 11 terrorist attacks on American soil.
Some Canadian companies have restricted the travel of their employees outside North America, others have prohibited travel to Asia and some others have completely banned their employees from travelling outside the country.
"Canada's pursuit of the broadest possible political and economic relationship with India remains unchanged," said Rey Pagtakhan, secretary of state for Asia Pacific.
Indo-Asian News Service
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