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Canada Envoy Meets Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik for Trade Talks

Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter met Odisha Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik to discuss trade and investment opportunities. The delegation also held talks with Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on bilateral cooperation in agri-export, technology, and mining. Odisha's leadership in mineral production and its two upcoming Green Hydrogen Hubs were highlighted as key investment areas. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening ties for sustainable industrial growth and renewable energy development.

Key Points: Canada Envoy Meets Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik

  • Canadian High Commissioner meets Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik
  • Discussions on trade, investment, and economic development
  • Focus on agri-export, technology, and clean energy
  • Odisha to host two of three Green Hydrogen Hubs in India
2 min read

Canadian High Commissioner holds talks with Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik

Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter meets Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik and Deputy CM Singh Deo to discuss trade, investment, and green energy cooperation.

"Odisha welcomes global partnerships that bring technology, investment, and market access while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth. - Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo"

Bhubaneswar, May 8

The High Commissioner of Canada to India, Christopher Cooter, during a courtesy call, met the Leader of Opposition in Odisha and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik at the latter's residence here on Friday.

The Canadian delegation reportedly held important discussions with LoP Patnaik on a range of issues concerning Odisha, including the significant role Canada can play in the trade, investment, and overall economic development of the state.

Earlier on Thursday, the High Commissioner of Canada to India, accompanied by his wife, paid a courtesy call on Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, at Lok Seva Bhawan as well. They had discussions covering a wide range of areas for strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Canada, with special focus on Odisha. Key sectors included agri-export, technology collaboration, and bilateral trade.

According to an official statement, the Deputy CM Singh Deo highlighted Odisha's leadership in mineral production, noting that the State accounts for 92 per cent of India's chromite reserves and has significant deposits of rare earth minerals along its coastline. The potential for foreign direct investment, especially in mining and value-added industries, was explored in detail. The Canadian delegation expressed keen interest in investment opportunities in Odisha's automobile sector.

The two sides also discussed enhancing bilateral trade and leveraging technology partnerships for sustainable industrial growth. The Deputy CM briefed the delegation on the origin of Odisha, its rich heritage, and the current agricultural scenario, underscoring the State's balanced approach to tradition and modern development. Singh Deo stated that Odisha welcomes global partnerships that bring technology, investment, and market access while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.

Notably, Odisha has been put under the 'Achiever' State category in the Ease of Doing Business report by the World Bank. The state is attracting global investors with its policy stability, infrastructure, and industry-ready ecosystem.

Out of the three Green Hydrogen Hubs proposed in India, two will be established in Odisha at Paradeep and Gopalpur. These hubs will anchor the state's transition from conventional to renewable energy, positioning Odisha as a national leader in green technology and decarbonization.

Singh Deo noted that Canada has expressed interest in investing in dual projects related to clean energy and industrial cooperation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit L
Good to see Canada showing interest in Odisha's green hydrogen hubs. We have two out of three proposed hubs in Paradeep and Gopalpur. This is the future – clean energy and sustainable growth. Let's hope the deals are transparent and benefit local communities.
P
Priya S
While international ties are welcome, I hope the focus on mining doesn't harm Odisha's environment or displace tribals. We've seen enough exploitation. The Deputy CM mentioned tradition and modern development – that balance must be real, not just on paper.
V
Vikram M
🤔 Interesting that Canada is engaging with both the Deputy CM and the LoP separately. Diplomacy at work! Odisha's Ease of Doing Business 'Achiever' status is deserved. But ground reality for small businesses still needs work. Hope this translates to real infra and jobs.
K
Kavya N
Global partnerships are great, but let's not forget Odisha's rich cultural heritage and agriculture. Singh Deo briefed them on that – good move. We need tech and investment, but not at cost of our identity or local farmers. Balanced growth is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone following India-Canada relations, this is positive. Odisha's mineral wealth and green energy potential are huge. But Canada must ensure fair terms and technology transfer. Also, hope the automobile sector interest translates into real investment, not just talks.
D

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