The Indo-Pacific region is rapidly emerging as a hub of global economic dynamism and strategic significance. Currently accounting for over one-third of the world’s economic activity, this region is projected to witness remarkable growth in the coming years. By 2030, it is expected to house two-thirds of the global middle class, and by 2040, it is projected to constitute over half of the global economy. These astounding statistics emphasize the paramount importance of the Indo-Pacific region for Canadian companies, offering unparalleled prospects for expansion, market exploration, and strategic partnerships.

In November 2022, Canada unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy, aimed at expanding and strengthening existing partnerships within the region. One of the five strategic objectives of the Strategy is to bolster trade, investment, and supply chain resilience, both domestically and internationally, thus paving the way for long-term growth and prosperity. As a crucial initiative under this objective, Team Canada Trade Missions to the Indo-Pacific offer Canadian companies a unique opportunity to solidify their reputation for embracing and exemplifying international best practices.

India’s escalating strategic, economic, and demographic significance in the Indo-Pacific region positions it as a vital ally in Canada’s pursuit of its objectives under the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Both Canada and India share a common interest in fostering an expanded commercial relationship and cultivating people-to-people connections.

Being the world’s most populous country and the fastest-growing major economy in 2022, India holds immense potential for mutual growth. In the previous year, Canada achieved a remarkable milestone, exporting goods worth $5.4 billion and services worth $6.2 billion to India, while importing goods valued at $6.4 billion and services worth $2.9 billion. These numbers signify a new record in annual goods and services trade between our nations.

India’s population of 1.4 billion, along with its burgeoning middle class, presents a wealth of opportunities for Canadian enterprises seeking international expansion. With all these factors combined, India emerges as an ideal destination for a Team Canada Trade Mission to the Indo-Pacific, poised to forge stronger ties and unlock vast potential for collaborative success.

Canada’s businesses have an array of promising opportunities in India, with the following sectors presenting the highest potential:

1. Agriculture and Value-Added Food: As India’s agricultural and food industries modernize, the rising demand for health-focused international products creates favorable prospects for Canadian companies.

2. Automotive: India’s burgeoning automotive sector, particularly its focus on electric vehicles (EV) and green transportation, offers substantial growth opportunities for Canadian enterprises.

3. Clean Technology: Canada’s businesses can tap into India’s thriving clean technology sector, which encompasses energy storage, hydrogen, smart grid technologies, waste management, and wastewater treatment, presenting a lucrative landscape for growth.

4. Life Sciences: With India’s expanding middle class, there is an increased demand for higher quality healthcare services. Canadian expertise in telemedicine, medical research, medical devices, and ICT (information and communications technology) can effectively cater to this growing need.

5. Infrastructure: As India undergoes massive urban development, Canadian proficiency in urban planning, design, engineering, architecture, and construction can play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure landscape.

6. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/Digital Industries: India’s rapid digital transformation and surging data consumption create a high demand for digital services and connectivity solutions, aligning seamlessly with Canadian expertise in the ICT sector.

7. Renewable/Green Energy: Considering India’s escalating energy demands, Canadian know-how in hydro development and renewable energy is poised to offer significant advantages and opportunities in this domain.

The forthcoming in-market program will embark on a journey to explore commercial regions in India, offering an array of enticing opportunities that may encompass:

• Networking opportunities with Minister Ng and esteemed Indian business leaders.
• On-site business briefings led by our Trade Commissioners, senior officials, and key local industry players.
• Market overviews to gain in-depth insights into India’s thriving economic landscape.
• Engaging business meetings and/or round table discussions with local industry experts.
• Site visits, providing firsthand experience and understanding of the Indian market’s dynamics (where applicable)

Travel Considerations and Expenses Before making any travel decisions, please carefully review the COVID-19 travel health notice and international travel guidelines. For any destination you plan to visit, it is crucial to check the Travel Advice and Advisories page twice: once during your trip planning phase and again just before your departure. Conditions related to safety and security may change between the time you book your travel and your departure date.

• Travel advice – India

• Your passport must remain valid for a minimum of 6 months from your entry date into India and contain at least two blank pages for immigration use.
• An entry visa is mandatory to access India. We strongly advise adhering to India’s entry and exit requirements, thus ensuring timely application for the necessary entry documents ahead of your travel. For detailed visa information, kindly refer to the High Commission of India’s Consular Services.

Participants will receive comprehensive programming and travel details (including in-country transportation options and hotel block bookings) once available. However, participants are responsible for arranging their own travel, covering all airfare, ground transportation, and accommodation reservations to and from the airport.

Participation in the trade mission is fee-free. Nonetheless, participants must bear all associated travel costs, including airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, and meals not included in the program. We strongly advise purchasing cancellation insurance and/or refundable tickets to accommodate any potential changes in trade mission dates.

Canadian companies interested in joining the trade mission may find support through the CanExport Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) program, a Trade Commissioner Service initiative offering funding assistance for Canadian SMEs exploring diversified export markets.

While the CanExport intake is currently paused, it will re-open shortly. Prospective applicants should review eligibility requirements and acquaint themselves with the Applicant’s Guide now to prepare for future funding applications. For additional details, please consult the CanExport website.

The Government of Canada, alongside individual provincial and territorial governments, also offers various export financing and other programs to aid Canadian businesses in international expansion.

Participation in Team Canada Trade Missions is open to all export-ready Canadian companies, regardless of size, with strong potential to capitalize on opportunities in India and yield substantial business outcomes.

Organizations must:

• Demonstrate export readiness and the potential to succeed in the Indian market.
• Have a commercialized or nearly commercialized product or service.
• Exhibit that the products and/or services they seek to promote will significantly benefit Canada’s economy (e.g., increased production, employment creation, technology transfer, enhanced R&D activity, etc.).
• Have conducted research on foreign markets, especially preparatory work for India.
• Possess a realistic and credible international business plan.
• Have allocated resources (human, material, time, and financial) towards internationalization.

Priority will be given to organizations:

• Operating in the sectors identified under Event details.
• Owned by entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in trade, such as women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs, 2SLGBTQI+ and youth.

Uncertain if your business is ready for the Indian market? Take the Export Quiz to gain insights.

• Your passport must remain valid for a minimum of 6 months from your entry date into India and contain at least two blank pages for immigration use.
• An entry visa is mandatory to access India. We strongly advise adhering to India’s entry and exit requirements, thus ensuring timely application for the necessary entry documents ahead of your travel. For detailed visa information, kindly refer to the High Commission of India’s Consular Services.

All applications will undergo a thorough screening process to assess export readiness, eligibility, and suitability. To deliver a robust program that maximizes benefits for participating businesses, the Trade Commissioner Service reserves the right to select export-ready Canadian companies most aligned with the mission’s sectoral focus and objectives.

As we anticipate a high demand for participation, a maximum of two company representatives can register for the trade mission. Some program elements may have capacity limits, allowing for only one representative per company.

If selected as part of the business delegation, you will receive a comprehensive program and additional resources to facilitate your travel arrangements.

Deadline for application submission: July 31, 2023, 17:00 E.D.T.