FEDERAL MINISTER FROM INDIA MEETS PREMIER, MINISTERS

A federal Cabinet Minister from India met with provincial government leaders in Saskatoon Friday. Minister Kant Sahai, who is responsible for India's food processing industry, discussed common interests with Premier Brad Wall and Ministers Rob Norris and Bob Bjornerud.

"We were delighted to welcome the Minister to our province as India is such an important international partner to Saskatchewan," Wall said. "We heard from the Minister what a vital contribution Saskatchewan makes to India's economy. Our province helps India meet its critical food supply needs with vast amounts of pulses, and we have the uranium resources to fuel their expanding clean energy requirements."

Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris highlighted the opportunities available for collaboration and exchange in research and higher education.

"What we heard from Minister Sahai is India's genuine interest to exchange ideas and work together to advance our common interests in agriculture, energy and innovation," Norris said. "The Minister and I have agreed to develop a Saskatchewan-India Action Agenda that will take full advantage of these opportunities, including greater student engagement."

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Minister Sahai are keen to collaborate on research and development in the area of pulse processing.

"There are so many areas of common interest between Saskatchewan and India, such as our agricultural processing industries and desire to add value to commodities at home," Bjornerud said. "I was impressed with how Minister Sahai and his delegation came to Saskatchewan ready to do business, and full of ideas how we can work together in the future."

Minister Sahai and his delegation attended a reception Friday evening and met with leading Saskatchewan researchers, university officials and business leaders. The Minister was also hosted at a luncheon on Saturday by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

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For more information, contact:

Daniela Machuca
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716