CANADIAN PROVINCE BC, OPEN OFFICE IN CHANDIGARH
for investment opportunities

Vancouver, April 28, 2009
Surinder Singh

VANCOUVER – The Province will encourage the immigration of business owners and skilled workers to B.C. from northern India with the appointment of a B.C. in-market business investment and skills liaison representative based in the Chandigarh region of the Punjab, announced Premier Gordon Campbell today at Vancouver’s Vaisakhi parade.

“India is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies and British Columbia has deep and established roots with the people of India.” said Premier Campbell. “Establishing a B.C. in-market business investment and skills liaison representative meets a commitment made in our Asia-Pacific initiative to establish a full-time presence in key Asian markets – including India – to attract new business investment to B.C. and identify future skilled workers.”

DJ Sandhu has been appointed the B.C. in-market business investment and skills liaison representative. Sandhu is an MBA who combines teaching at the University of the Fraser Valley with management consultation here and in India. He is also the Leading Edge Endowment Fund’s B.C. Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Business and Economic Development at the University of the Fraser Valley.

“The appointment of DJ Sandhu is an example of how this government is thinking long term to ensure B.C. has the skilled workers needed to support a strong provincial economy,” said Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and MLA for Abbotsford-Mount Lehman. “DJ Sandhu will also conduct outreach and promotional activities for northern Indian entrepreneurs with the potential to immigrate and create new business investments in B.C. under the Provincial Nominee Program.”

The Province is investing $150,000 to support the B.C. in-market business investment and skills liaison position in northern India. Sandhu’s role as B.C. Regional Innovation Chair on Canada-India Business and Economic Development requires he spends six months of the year in the Punjab and six months in B.C., helping businesses in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland region take advantage of the opportunities offered by the huge Indian market. The two roles will be mutually beneficial.

“This new partnership brings together investors and investment opportunities that will benefit British Columbia and Northern India," said DJ Sandhu. "By reaching out to tap new business opportunities and identifying future sources of skilled workers we are working together to strengthen B.C.'s economy."

Office of the Premier-Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development