PM Narendra Modi hard-sells India's reform agenda to Canadian CEOs

Inviting Canadian companies to invest in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told them that his government is fast-moving on reforms and has already opened up sectors like railways, insurance and housing.

"Canada has capabilities. India provides opportunities. If both combine you can imagine how high the relationship can go," Modi told executives of top 30 Canadian companies here yesterday.

The Prime Minister told the CEOs that, "there are several capabilities and opportunities in the India-Canada relationship."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also present during the meeting.

"You have a lot of capabilities but Canada is a small place for you considering your potential so it is important for you to look for new open fields. The most appropriate in this regard is India which has 125 crore people, demography, democracy and demand," Modi said.

He said, "After a long time there is a stable and progressive government in India which can provide maximum benefits."

He told the CEOs that India is fast-moving towards reforms and opportunities are innumerable.

Modi also mentioned opening up of sectors like railways, insurance and housing.

"There have been several progressive decisions one after another. I want Canadian companies to take advantage of it," Modi said.

He also talked about solid waste management as part of the 'Clean India' campaign, giving the slogan from "waste to wealth." He said whoever has expertise should come to India in this regard.

Modi also discussed the 100 smart cities programme. "The US has already decided to develop three cities. Japan and Australia have also done so and Canadian companies should also come," he said.

Modi also talked about the possibilities of collaboration in the Ganga cleaning programme, stating that the river is 2,500 km long and 40 per cent population is dependent on it.