Canada offers to help India in entrepreneurship

Canada's Governor General David Johnston on Friday said his country through a joint venture with the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute will help fast track start-ups and connect with mentors, customers and investors across the country.

He inaugurated the entrepreneurship incubator in Mumbai this morning, which is being set up as joint venture between the Ryerson University, Toronto and the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute Ltd.

“BIL Ryerson DMZ will offer expert guidance and mentoring to young entrepreneurs with ideas to refine their concepts, set up businesses and also connect them with investors for securing capital” President of Ryerson University, Sheldon Levy said. Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone has so far launched 142 projects since inception in 2010.

Johnson said that Canada is keen on increasing business linkages with India, with particular focus on infrastructure, energy, food security, education, innovation and entrepreneurship. He also participated in ringing of the bell to announce start of trading at the Bombay Stock Exchange.

During his 10 day visit to India,  Johnston also held high level meetings with business leaders in New Delhi, and will interact with business leaders in Mumbai on Saturday, when he participates in the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber’s annual convention.
The trade between India and Canada was valued at approximately $ 5 billion in 2011-12.

 In India, Canada is represented by a High Commission in New Delhi and two Consulates General in Mumbai and Chandigarh. Besides a Consulate office in Kolkata, it has trade offices located in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.