WTC Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada (IPFC) to promote trade and investment between India and Canada. The agreement also aims to strengthen ties between the two countries, facilitating business connections and people-to-people interactions.

Mr. Gurjeet Malhi, Board Member of the Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada (IPFC), emphasized the organization’s rapid growth and its role as a facilitator for businesses entering the Canadian market. He stated, “IPFC, though a relatively young organization, has grown by leaps and bounds since its foundation in April 2024. Our focus is to promote the synchronization of business and culture between Canada and countries in the Indo-Pacific region. We serve as the nodal point for businesses looking to enter Canada. Our motto is connecting culture and commerce.”

Expressing enthusiasm for collaboration with WTC Mumbai, Mr. Malhi marked this MoU as the beginning of broader trade engagements between India and Canada. “Though trade relations are currently subdued, we hope this collaboration will serve as the foundation for various new initiatives with India, particularly in trade,” he added.

Highlighting key areas of cooperation, Mr. Malhi said, “Our members range from individuals to large corporations, and we are particularly interested in sectors such as Greentech, steel, oil and gas, AI, software, youth empowerment, and women’s empowerment. Through this initiative, IPFC aims to foster deeper business engagements and cultural exchanges, paving the way for stronger bilateral trade relations between Canada and India.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC Mumbai, stressed the importance of strengthening trade and economic relations between India, Canada, and the Atlantic region. He remarked, “The need of the hour is to promote international trade and investment. Amid global trade uncertainties and rising protectionism, India and Canada share many complementarities that can be leveraged for mutually beneficial outcomes. There are limitless opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as energy, technology, AI, renewable energy, and film production.”

Dr. Kalantri also expressed optimism about such MoUs, underscoring their role in enhancing cooperation between the two regions. He noted, “Such agreements create an environment conducive to business partnerships and stronger people-to-people connections”. He further assured WTC Mumbai’s full support in facilitating business-to-business collaborations.

Ms. Ria Chopra, Chair of the Media and Entertainment Committee at IPFC, emphasized the need for a unified platform to facilitate regional cooperation. “Most relations between Canada and Indo-Pacific countries are bilateral in nature, making coordination a challenge. Through IPFC, we aim to create a common platform to foster engagement across all Indo-Pacific nations,” she stated.

She further highlighted the potential for collaboration in the media and entertainment sector, saying, “Beyond the industries mentioned by Mr. Malhi, I want to emphasize the vast opportunities in the film industry. We are keen to partner with film festivals and establish collaborations with production houses. Today’s initiative will drive meaningful engagements across trade and cultural sectors, opening new doors for businesses and creative industries alike.”

Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director of WTC Mumbai, invited members of the Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada to explore trade and investment opportunities in India. She stated, “The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a hub for trade, technology, human capital, and investment. Recognizing its vast potential, WTC Mumbai is organizing this year’s Global Economic Summit with the theme of Asia-Pacific Driving Global Trade. On behalf of the WTC Mumbai board, I warmly invite all IPFC members to participate in the summit, connect with the dynamic business community of the region, and explore trade and investment opportunities.”

The meeting was also attended by officials from the WTC Bhubaneswar, WTC Goa, and WTC Jaipur showcasing trade and investment potential in their respective states.

The MoU signing meeting was held at WTC Mumbai, with board members of the IPFC and officials from WTC Bhubaneswar, WTC Goa, and WTC Jaipur participating virtually. Mr. Jamshed Mistry, Founder of the International Legal Alliance and Strategic Advisor to IPFC, physically represented the IPFC at WTC Mumbai.

The meeting was attended by Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman of WTC Mumbai; Ms. Aakruti Bagwe, Director of Operations, WTC Mumbai; Ms. Priya Pansare, Director of Trade Promotion, WTC Mumbai; and Mr. Santosh Kotre, Director of Finance, Accounts, and Administration, WTC Mumbai.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai (5th from left) with Mr. Jamshed Mistry, Founder, International Legal Alliance and Strategic Advisor to IPFC (4th from left) at the MoU signing event. Also seen in the picture are (from left to right): Mr. Santosh Kotre, Director, Finance, Accounts, and Administration, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Aakruti Bagwe, Director- Operations, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director-Trade Promotion, WTC Mumbai.