Success at first-ever China-India Cleantech Forum

More than 200 delegates including cleantech companies, investors, and trade commissioners from China, India, and Canada gathered at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre yesterday to network and participate in five panel sessions at the China-India Cleantech Forum. 

Nicholas Parker, Chair of the Cleantech Group LLC and the Honourable Glen Murray, Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation delivered the two keynote speeches.  Twenty panelists with expertise ranging from waste water management to the latest trends and areas of growth in cleantech engaged audiences throughout the day. 

“This may not be the biggest event that any of us attend, but it may well be the most significant event in Canada this year,” said Nicholas Parker, Chair of the Cleantech Group LLC, and keynote speaker. “We are talking about the two rising giants on the global economic stage. We are talking about and the impact these giants are going to have on the global environment, and we are talking about what we, as Canadians can do to help them with sustainable prosperity and growth, and in doing so create jobs and wealth for ourselves which in turn will help our own country be sustainable. Hence, it could not be a more important session for us to be at,” he said. 

Keynote speaker Glen Murray, Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation delivered an address that spoke of the diversity of Canadians as an important characteristic that strengthens innovation. “Through our industry, our trade, our research and development, we look out to each other and look for partners in this world as we try to make this the century of innovation, the century of inclusion, and the century of developing wealth and sharing wealth,” he said.

“The diverse participation and distinctive networking that took place at the conference underscored the importance of bilateral relationships in Canada’s environmental cooperation with China and India,” said Rana Sarkar, President and CEO of the China-India Business Council. “This is the first time that the two councils have collaborated on this scale, and we are very pleased with the result,” he said. 

“It was an honour to welcome such a large audience, particularly those traveling from China and India,” said Sarah Kutulakos, Executive Director of the Canada China Business Council. The audience today represented a great mix of technical, business, and government expertise, including some firms that are investing in Canada,” she said.

 Other attendees included prominent members from Canadian businesses and government, such as Power Corporation of Canada, Torys LLP, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.  

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