Shillong, June 25: A meeting between the Meghalaya State Planning Board, Government of Meghalaya, with representatives of the Government of Canada, Trade Commissioner Service, and the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership was held today in Shillong.
The meeting was initiated by Shri. SC Marak, MLA, Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board, and chaired by Shri. John F Kharshiing, Co-Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board, in presence of Shri. Lakmen Rymbui, Ex-MLA, Co-Chairman, Dr Manas Dasgupta, Dr Eureka Lyngdoh, Shri. Grithalson Arengh, Deputy Chairmans, including officials of the Meghalaya State Planning Board.
The representatives from Canada, Mr Arjun Kumar Dutta, Trade Commissioner, Kolkata, and Mr Mortoza Tarafder, Director Trade Development South Asia, MENA, from Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership, gave a detail presentation on the possible trade opportunities available from Saskatchewan Province (State), Canada. The discussions centered on their expertise on Food Security, Energy (Mini-Hydro, Thermal, Solar, Nuclear) and felt there was tremendous potential for Mini Hydro, Solar, and Wind generation in Meghalaya,
They also suggested that a wind map study of Meghalaya could be considered to properly tap the huge potential available in this Hill State. Detailed discussions was also held on Human Resources (College, ITI, Polytechnic) expertise, Information and Communication Technology Water Treatment, Waste Management, Mining and Livestock technology, including a cheap road construction technology.
On a query as to Mining technology they stated that they manufactured high value and very expensive Machinery which was tailor made specifically for the needs of particular Mines.
They also gave an overview of the strengths of Saskatchewan especially in pulses production. Saskatchewan’s total exports totalled to more than 20 Billion US Dollars, and with trade with India at present was over One Billion dollars.
The representatives from Canada extended an invitation to the Meghalaya State Planning Board to visit Saskatchewan, State, Canada, so as to have a better understanding of their various technologies including Agro and Livestock tech available which could benefit Meghalaya and India.
The meeting concluded on a positive note where the trade delegation from Saskatchewan, Canada assured the Board that they would shortly send all the relevant information necessary for consideration by the Government of Meghalaya. Earlier the trade delegation met other departments of the Government of Meghalaya.(SP News)
