NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY INAUGURATES FIRST CANADIAN OFFICEIN PUNJAB
January 13, 1997 No. 4
AXWORTHY INAUGURATES FIRST CANADIAN OFFICE
IN PUNJAB
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy offically inaugurated the new Canadian
office at a public ceremony in Chandigarh, the capital of the state of Punjab. He
was joined by Indian External Affairs Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. Also present
were Canadian members of Parliament and a Canadian business and community
delegation.
"This new Canadian presence in Punjab reflects the normalization of conditions in
Punjab and the progressive nature of the India-Canada relationship," said Mr.
Axworthy. "It will help strengthen ties between the people of Punjab and the many
Indo-Canadians who trace their origins to this region. This is also welcome news
for Canadian companies seeking trade and investment opportunities in India's
rapidly growing economy."
The new office will serve as a local centre for individuals to make inquiries
about trade and will facilitiate contacts for Canadian business people visiting
the region. It responds to the need to better serve the large number of Indian
visitors and immigrants to Canada from Punjab. Approximately 40 per cent of the
current immigration workload involves persons of Punjabi origin. An important
function of the office's services to the Indian public involves the facilitation
of visa applications and trade inquiries, complementing the visa assessment
functions of the High Commission in New Delhi. The processing and issuance of
visas, as well as visa interviews will continue to be conducted in New Delhi.
Mr. Axworthy initiated discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Gujral on
establishing a Canadian office in Chandigarh in July 1996. During his visit to
Canada in September 1996, Mr. Gujral formally agreed to the opening of this
office. The office will begin operations on April 1, 1997, and will be staffed by
seven local residents.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
| 
