Friday, October 11, 2013.

Role of Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce in the Economic Integration of Indo-Canadians

Presentation by Naval BajajPresident, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce

At conference onIndo-Canadians: Dimensions of Economic Integration

Overview of ICCC

• 36-year-old Canadian business organization• Oldest & largest business and Diaspora organization of Canadians of

Indian origin• Fosters bilateral economic relations between Canada & India• Creates business & professional opportunities for the Indian Diaspora• Promotes small businesses & facilitates their entry into global markets• Organize B2B meetings, workshops, interactive sessions, business

receptions & networking events with decision makers, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, representatives of chambers of commerce, & industry associations

Our members

• Mostly Canadians of Indian origin

• Largely, first-generation immigrants

• Burgeoning membership amongst newcomers

• Small business entrepreneurs & professionals

• Young professionals

What do they seek?

• Opportunities to expand business & professional networks

• Integrate with the Canadian mainstream

• Gain competitive edge by gaining access to global markets

• Stay focussed on suburban roots

Our focus

Immigrants from India turn to entrepreneurship in Canada soon after their settlement because of lack of appropriate employment opportunities that match their experience & skills

ICCC helps small business to enlarge their professional networks, introduce them to mainstream business opportunities, interact with professional & government organizations, & help them acquire competitive edge through globalization

ICCC & Small Businesses – 1

• Canada: Small businesses account for 45% of GDP, 75% of net employment growth, and 60% of all jobs

• India: Small businesses account for 20% of India's GDP, 65 million jobs and 45% of manufacturing & exports

• Small businesses resist downturns, stabilize employment & income levels

• Success of large corporations dependent on small businesses

• Successful job creators & & wealth generators

Macro picture:

Small businesses:• Manufacturing• Food processing• Aerospace• Automotive industries• Business services• Clean technology• Digital media• IT

ICCC & Small Businesses – 2

Professions: • Accountancy• Financial Services• Law• Academics• Professional Services • Life sciences• Tourism

Composition of ICCC’s small business & professional members

• Customized and general programs to help small business build linkages with suburban cities – these cities are centre of small businesses (Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Chatham-Kent, Calgary)

• Create platforms for small businesses such as a Hard Hats tour at an established & successful business owned & operated by a Canadian of Indian origin (visits to Metro Labels, Novo Plastics, Hans Dairy, etc.)

ICCC & Small Businesses – 3

What we do for small businesses?

• Interactive sessions with Export Development Canada, pre-budget & CEPA consultations with federal & provincial governments, showcasing of opportunities by municipalities

• Annual India Missions focussed on exploring business opportunities – India Mission 2013 was largest-ever Canadian business delegation with 200 small business owners participating (visit to 8 cities: (Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, New Delhi, Amritsar & Jalandhar)

ICCC & Small Businesses – 4

What we do for small businesses? - continued

ICCC will be leading India 2014 focussing on:

• Agriculture & Agri-food• Education• Energy• Infrastructure

ICCC & Small Businesses – 5

What we do for small businesses? - continued

ICCC & Indian Diaspora in Canada

• ICCC believes Indo-Canadians need to integrate into the Canadian mainstream & works to promote this objective

• To meet this need, in June 2011, ICCC & Government of India organized a global convention of the Indian Diaspora with a theme of Building Bridges: Positioning Strategies for the Indian Diaspora

• Combined strength of Indian Diaspora and mainstream India Watchers will be critical factors for strengthening Canada India Partnerships

• Economic integration of Indo-Canadians into the Canadian mainstream is ICCC’s main objective

• It is a win-win preposition for Canada & the Indian Diaspora

To Conclude:

Thank you