Thursday, September 1 2005 18:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a reflection of Canada's keen interest to boost its relations with India, particularly in trade and science and technology, a number of ministers will be visiting in New Delhi over the next month to sign accords and explore further possibilities.

Noting that India was one of the fastest growing economies, Canada sees immense potential for cooperation with in various sectors, especially infrastructure, Information Technology, environment and agro-food.

"The current volume of two-way India-Canada trade is 2.5 billion Canadian dollar. We want this to be doubled by 2010,"Canadian High Commission official said here today (Sept 1, 2005).

He pointed out that the trade balance was currently in favor of India.

Giving a preview of the upcoming visit to India by Canadian Environment Minister Stephane Dion and International Trade Minister James S Peterson besides Prime Ministers and Ministers of four provinces, the official said his country was looking forward to sign some agreements.

These include Foreign Investment Project Agreement, he said adding that the two countries had already revised Air Services agreement under which the two-way air traffic will grow five times.

The ministers' visit will be followed by the tour of officials from Canada's Natural Sciences Research Education Council to attract students.

To a question about recent labor unrest in Japanese Honda joint venture company at Gurgaon, he said Canada was not apprehensive of going for investment here and was going for expansion across the country.