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