Mumbai: Canada on Monday hoped that a nuclear co-operation agreement with India would be inked soon which would facilitate the development of nuclear power for civilian use.
"It is my sincere hope our Governments will soon conclude
a civilian nuclear agreement which will enable development of
nuclear power for civil use," Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen
Harper, said at a meeting with prominent Indian businessmen
here today.
The proposed agreement envisages allowing Canadian
companies to sell nuclear technology to India.
Cameco, a uranium miner with significant operations in
Saskatchewan, Canada, is planning to set up its marketing
office to explore opportunities in uranium fuel supply to
India.
India and Canada earlier this year signed a memorandum of
understanding that would allow Canada to play a role in
India's planned building of 25-30 nuclear reactors.
The Canadian Premier said that both India and Canada had
immense trade potential and there was a need to seize this
opportunity.
"The two countries' combined GDP is on its way to USD
4-trillion, yet two-way trade and investment amounts to just
USD 5 billion. This signals a lot of untapped business
potential," Harper said.
Canada is keen to share its expertise and invest in areas
like science and technology, medical research projects,
renewable energy and nuclear energy, Harper said.
Similarly, Canada expects investments from India in
sectors like energy and infrastructure, among others, he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, November 16, 2009, 23:43