New Delhi, Feb 18: The Canada-India Atlantic Gateway Business Forum will begin here today.

The forum is being organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with the Canada Atlantic Gateway Business Delegation.

Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; David M Malone, High Commissioner for Canada to India and Deep Kapuria, Chairman, CII (NR) and CMD, Hi-Tech Gears Ltd, will address the inaugural session.

"The development of Canada's gateways and trade corridors is part of our government's commitment to facilitating international trade and increasing our national competitiveness by linking North America to the world. This mission demonstrates our Government's continuing partnership with the four Atlantic provinces to develop the Atlantic Gateway initiative,” Mackay had said.

The forum will be an unprecedented B-to-B event to matchmake Indian Infrastructure firms with visiting counterparts from the Atlantic Gateway Business Delegation, Canada.

The following will be the key highlights of the forum:

. Inform private sector decision-makers, who have the ability to influence supply chain decisions regarding the movement of Indian export/import cargo, about the Atlantic Gateway's geographic advantages, reliability, efficiency and intermodal connections to major North American markets;

. Foster open dialogue between private sector counterparts about the opportunities in Canada's Atlantic Gateway, and the needs of Indian exporters and importers, contributing to increased commerce between Canada and India.

. Demonstrate the strong commitment and coherent approach shared by the Government of Canada, provincial governments, and private sector leaders responsible for the full range of interconnected services necessary to transport goods through the Atlantic Gateway. (ANI)