Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Amarinder Singh on Friday directed the state industry department to explore the possibility of setting up a designated help desk to facilitate Indians settled abroad, especially those in Canada, who wanted to invest in Punjab.

The directive came during an interaction with members of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, who called on the CM at his official residence this afternoon. The CM suggested the delegation to explore investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest, such as Education, Skill Development, Agro-based Industry and Information Technology. The CM called upon the visiting Canadian delegation to harness the positive industrial environment prevailing in the state. He assured them of his government’s complete support and co-operation in this regard.

The CM assured the delegation of continued synergy at all levels to ensure overall development in the core sectors of health, education, agriculture and skill development in Punjab through transfer of technology and forging of technical collaborations between Punjab and Canada.

Citing the government’s ‘Connect with Your Roots’ programme, which he launched during his United Kingdom (UK) visit in September last year, Amarinder Singh said that this programme would go a long way to help connect youngsters, especially the third generation, who had roots here in Punjab. It was an excellent forum to apprise them of the state’s glorious heritage, cultural legacy and rich traditions, he said, adding that a similar programme should also be initiated for the youth whose parents or grandparents had immigrated to Canada from Punjab.

The CM said both Punjab and Canada should facilitate the frequent exchange of such delegations, based on their expertise and experience, for mutual benefit. The CM also suggested introduction of certain courses and changes in current academic curriculum to conform with the Canadian education system in order to enable the local youth to get gainful employment in Canada.

Assuring the CM of their wholehearted support to the government’s efforts to promote development and prosperity in Punjab, the visiting Canadian delegation led by Kanwar Dhanjal said that, as the sons and daughters of the Indian soil, it was their moral duty to contribute something tangible for the growth and prosperity of Punjab. They emphasised the need for concerted efforts to boost the level of trade between Punjab and Canada.