FIEO-IMC Ontario to enable Indian firms to explore North America

The International Marketing Center (IMC), Government of Ontario, Canada and Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO) are collaborating to organise a seminar to empower Indian companies interested in expanding operations into North America via Ontario. The seminar is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2014, in the Capital.

The free “Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities for Indian Companies in Ontario" will introduce Ontario and its key strengths, sectors and opportunities, offer expert legal advice for setting up operations in Ontario and share some of the success stories of Indian companies who successfully set-up in Ontario. The Seminar is open to all Indian companies interested in learning about opportunities in Ontario and setting up an office. The seminar will also be of interest to Indian companies which are already exporting to North America, as they explore opportunities on setting up operations in Ontario. Participants will learn about Ontario’s innovation friendly business environment, business incentives, R&D tax incentives and low business cost that will enable them to capitalize on global business opportunities from Ontario.

“Indian companies such as ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Wipro, Mahindra Satyam, and many more have already made their foray into North America via offices and operations in Ontario,” informs Jens-Michael Schaal, Counsellor (Commercial-Ontario), who leads the Ontario International Marketing Centre located within the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Almost 700,000 Ontarians speak the major languages spoken in India (other than English), making it an ideal location to set up operations for entry into the North American market. Ontario has earmarked India as a priority country for commercial links.

According to FDI Report 2014, Ontario was the leading state in North America, accounting for more than one-tenth of all foreign direct investment in North America. Ontario accounts for 37% of Canada’s GDP, 46% of the country’s production of manufactured goods and is home to 64% of foreign head offices in Canada. Ontario continually gets top marks for competitive taxes, low business costs and progressive incentives for R&D and job creation. The province has a diverse economy, including one of the top North American auto manufacturing jurisdictions, a vibrant life sciences community, a fast growing clean energy sector and the country’s most robust ICT sector. The Toronto Stock Exchange lists more mining companies than any other stock exchange in the world and the province’s water industry is recognized globally for its innovation and is home to more than 900 water-industry-specific companies.