Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach to forge stronger ties with India

Strengthening relations and bolstering trade and investment ties highlight Premier Ed Stelmach’s mission to India from November 1-7. 

While in India, Stelmach will speak at the 9th International Petrotech 2010 Oil and Gas Conference in New Delhi – Southeast Asia’s largest petroleum show. Since its inception, the conference has grown into one of the leading platforms for discussing issues, concerns, and strategies in the global hydrocarbon industry. It has also garnered a reputation across international circles as one of the leading forums for pioneering technology.
“India represents a market of more than one billion people and this mission is an opportunity to advance our relationship with one of the world’s fastest growing and most important economies,” said Stelmach. “It’s critical that we continue to build ties with emerging international markets that expand opportunities for Alberta products and services.”

Stelmach will also meet with senior members of the Indian government and reinforce Alberta’s commitment to responsible energy production and emphasize potential opportunities available in clean technologies as well as carbon capture and storage initiatives.

The Premier will be supported on the mission by three MLAs: Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie; Peter Sandhu, MLA for Edmonton-Manning; and Manmeet Bhullar, MLA for Calgary-Montrose. The MLAs will play an essential role for Alberta in key cultural components of the mission.

Premier Stelmach will be the first Alberta Premier to visit the Akshardham Temple and the Golden Temple. He will also lay a ceremonial wreath at the Gandhi memorial site. “It is an honour for me to visit these places of such significant importance for Sikhs and Hindus around the world,” added Stelmach.

Canada and India are also expected to enter into free trade negotiations in the near future. Stelmach will use the opportunity to set the stage for early discussions about Alberta’s support for free trade with India.

Mrs. Stelmach will accompany the Premier as part of the official delegation and will play an important role of developing and supporting Alberta’s international profile.

The total estimated cost of the mission for Premier, Mrs. Stelmach, three MLAs and one staff including airfare, transportation and meals is $84,000.