Canadian envoy, CMexplore biz, tech ties

Lucknow: Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter met chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Wednesday. The two held a detailed discussion on the potential for Canada's involvement in the areas of investment, technology collaboration and skill development in Uttar Pradesh.Cooter spoke about the prospect of elevating India-Canada trade and investment ties to new heights, where UP could act as a centre for investment and innovation. He praised the chief minister for UP's development over the past nine years, adding: "UP has made significant progress in infrastructure development, policy reforms and governance in recent years, emerging as a reliable and attractive destination for global investors."The High Commissioner expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation in sectors such as green energy, LNG and LPG, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology. He specifically highlighted the importance of collaboration in education and research, stating that partnerships between leading Canadian institutions and Uttar Pradesh could accelerate skill development, innovation, and global talent exchange.Cooter commented on the state's infrastructure, connectivity, and investor-friendly policies, which have propelled UP as an attractive destination for global companies. "Canadian companies are actively exploring opportunities for long-term investment and technology partnerships in UP. Canada's expertise in sustainable energy, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing aligns naturally with UP's development aspirations, paving the way for a strong bilateral partnership," he said.During the meeting, the chief minister invited Canadian companies to invest in UP, highlighting the state's investor-friendly environment, industrial growth, and policy reforms. He gave the example of the Defence Industrial Corridor and the BrahMos project to underline the state's growing industrial capabilities."UP govt is ensuring a transparent, stable, and industry-friendly policy environment, and will provide all necessary institutional support to accelerate technology, skill, and innovation-based collaboration with Canada," he said, as both sides agreed to further strengthen partnership in investment, technology collaboration, and skill development.