Certificate acknowledges organisation’s efforts to connect the Indian diaspora with businesses and investors and strengthen Canada–India economic ties
Dr Kirti Sharma, Secretary General of the People of Indian Origin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PIOCCI), has received a Certificate of Recognition from two Canadian Members of Parliament for the organisation’s work in promoting business links between India and Canada.
The certificate was presented on October 10 by Juanita Nathan, MP for Pickering–Brooklin, and Kristina Tesser Derksen, both members of the Canadian House of Commons. The presentation took place during a PIOCCI gathering at the Kingbridge Centre in King City, Ontario.
The event was hosted by Prashant Pathak, Chairman of the Kingbridge Centre, and attended by Balaji Rajgopal, Naresh Chavda and other PIOCCI members.
The recognition acknowledged PIOCCI’s efforts to connect people of Indian origin with businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and institutions, while facilitating trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Dr Sharma said the recognition reflected the collective contribution of PIOCCI members and their commitment to building stronger links between businesses and institutions in India and Canada. She thanked the MPs for the honour and Pathak for hosting the gathering.
India and Canada have established economic links across merchandise trade, services, investment, education and technology. According to figures cited by the Canadian government, bilateral merchandise trade reached C$10.9 billion in 2025. Canada’s services exports to India stood at C$15.6 billion in 2024, while its services imports from India totalled C$3.8 billion.
Potential areas for further cooperation include information technology, digital services, renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, life sciences, education and advanced manufacturing.
The two countries have also announced negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), intended to cover goods and services, investment, digital trade, agriculture, mobility and sustainable development. Their stated aim is to conclude negotiations in 2026.
Established in India in 2003, PIOCCI works to connect the Indian diaspora with international business networks and promote trade, investment and technology partnerships. The organisation aims to help businesses identify partners, explore new markets and develop commercial opportunities.
Dr Sharma said PIOCCI would continue to encourage business dialogue, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises, investment and technology cooperation.
She added that sustained engagement and trust would be important in translating the connections of the Indian diaspora into partnerships benefiting businesses and communities in both countries.
