Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland MLA working to strengthen economic ties with India

Shane Getson, MLA for Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland and parliamentary secretary for economic corridor development, is chair of a new committee intended to support the Government of Alberta’s work to develop economic corridors and enhance trade between the province and India.

The India Advisory Committee is expected to provide strategic insight and advice on areas of mutual benefit between the two parties, including energy, agriculture, technology, film and television, tourism, aerospace, talent mobility and more.

“Economic corridor development is more than commodities and infrastructure; it’s about building long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships,” commented Getson. “India is a huge, fast-growing market with many Albertans having strong connections there. We want to leverage those relationships to create economic corridors that will last for generations. After all, fortune favours the bold.”

The committee held its first meeting on June 12 and will continue to meet quarterly.

While Alberta has a history of international partnership and collaboration, the government says this is the first time it has created an advisory committee focused on enhancing a connection with a specific market.

Committee members serve voluntarily, without additional remuneration.

The committee has nine members:

• Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development Shane Getson (chair)
• Mr. Radhe Gupta, founder and CEO, Rohit Group (member designate)
• Mr. Harish Consul, founder and CEO, Ocgrow Ventures (member designate)
• Ms. Ilona Maitra, senior business development officer, Palliser Group and CMO, Let’sGameNow (member designate)
• Dr. Amit Kumar, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Alberta (member designate)
• Mr. Rajeev Mittal, director, HK Consultants Inc. (member designate)
• Mr. Puneet Manchanda, manager, Enbridge, and president, Council of India Societies of Edmonton (member designate)
• Mr. Buta Singh Rehill, entrepreneur (member designate)
• Mr. Francis Aranha, district manager, Compass Group (member designate)