Canadian High Commissioner holds talks with Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik

Christopher Cooter, the High Commissioner of Canada to India, on Friday, May 8, met met the Leader of Opposition in Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik during a courtesy call at the latter’s residence in Bhubaneswar.

During the meeting, the Canadian delegation reportedly held important discussions with Patnaik on a wide range of issues concerning the state, such as the significant role Canada can play in the trade, investment, and overall economic development of Odisha, IANS reported.

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This comes after the High Commissioner of Canada to India, accompanied by his wife, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, at Lok Seva Bhawan as well. At that time, he held discussions over strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Canada, keeping special focus on Odisha. During the talks, key sectors included agri-export, technology collaboration, and bilateral trade.

As per an official statement, Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s leadership in mineral production, stating that Odisha accounts for 92 per cent of India’s chromite reserves and has significant deposits of rare earth minerals along its coastline.

Further, it was mentioned that the potential for foreign direct investment, especially in mining and value-added industries, was explored during the talks. The Canadian delegation expressed keen interest in investment opportunities in Odisha’s automobile sector.

Besides this, the two sides discussed to enhance bilateral trade and leveraging technology partnerships for sustainable industrial growth.

During the meeting, the Deputy CM briefed the delegation on the origin of Odisha, its rich heritage as well as the current agricultural scenario, underscoring the state’s balanced approach to tradition and modern development.