Saturday, November 19 2005 19:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Toronto: India and Canada have signed a strategic agreement that strives to enhance skills of Indian scientific manpower to match international standards, promote collaborative research in high-tech areas, and help in commercialization of indigenous technologies.

The agreement was signed by the Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development Kapil Sibal and Canadian Minister for International Trade Jim Peterson at a simple function held here yesterday (Nov 18, 2005)at Medical and Related Sciences (MARS) center, Canada's leading commercial convergence center.

Senior officials of Canadian Government, leading political leaders and Indian High Commissioner to Canada Shyamala B Cowsik were among those present on the occasion.

Under the agreement, India and Canada will collaborate in the field of nano-medicine technology to develop 'magic bullets' that can revolutionize the treatment for malaria, cancer, diabetes, and other human diseases, Sibal and Peterson said at a joint press conference.

"India will soon set up a nano-technology centre," Sibal said.

"This agreement will boost Canada's competitiveness through knowledge and technology transfer to address the challenges and opportunities created by the rise of emerging markets such as India," Peterson said.

"Down the road, this could mean exchanges of scientists and other experts, joint science and technology projects, and other benefits," he said.

Besides, both countries agreed to work together in information and communication technology; biotechnology, health research and medical devices; sustainable and alternate energy and environmental technologies; and earth science and disaster management.

Describing the agreement 'historic,' Sibal and Peterson said that both countries had earmarked US$ 6.5 million each for joint research projects that have a strong potential for commercialization.

Commending India's technological transformation, Peterson said, "Indian advances in the field of science and technology are remarkable, and Canada would like to extend its support to help India to convert its natural endowments into wealth meaningful to common people."

"This partnership would not (not) only help both the countries, but the humanity at large," Peterson added.

In his response, Sibal said, "Canada-India partnership can do wonders. Canada's excellence in high-tech areas, and its expertise to commercialize technologies, and India's skilled work force and large market could benefit both the countries."

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Information and Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) and India's National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to take joint projects for mutual benefits.

Bernard Courtois signed the MoU on behalf of ITAC and Mukesh Gupta on behalf of NASSCOM, in the presence of both the ministers.

Addressing a meeting organized by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Sibal said Canada could help India in high-tech research and commercialization of indigenous technologies so that benefits of scientific research were available for a common man.