Dozens of Indian business representatives will be in British Columbia to discuss business opportunities between B.C. and India this summer, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

The Indian Merchants' Chamber will bring a delegation of approximately 80 companies from a range of business sectors to Vancouver on June 18 and 19, as part of the chamber's annual international outreach program, India Calling.

"The close ties between British Columbia and India create opportunities for businesses in both jurisdictions to form positive connections that will drive economic growth and create jobs," said Premier Campbell, who addressed and met with the Indian Merchants' Chamber today in Mumbai.

"As Canada's Pacific Gateway, B.C. has a lot to offer Indian businesses looking to build their presence in the North American market."

Previous India Calling conferences have been held in Singapore, Dubai, London and South Africa. The delegation will also be in Toronto on June 16 and 17.

"British Columbia presents many opportunities for Indian businesses to forge new partnerships that will benefit both our economies," said Niraj Bajaj, president of the Indian Merchants' Chamber. "I look forward to increasing awareness among B.C. companies of the opportunities in India, and working co-operatively to expand B.C.'s impact in the Indian market."

The Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) was established in 1907. It has over 3,500 leading companies from different sectors of the economy, and 250 industry and trade associations as members. The Indian Merchants' Chamber has a long-standing MOU with the Vancouver Board of Trade, signed in November 1988.

To view and download photos of Premier Gordon Campbell's mission to Asia, go to: www.gov.bc.ca/premier/2007asiatrademission