Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Feb. 25

TECHNOLOGY companies from India are looking beyond near-shore centres and exploring other options of research and development centres and opening up of offices in Western Canada.

The High Commissioner of Canada, Ms Lucie Edwards, said: "Little is known about the huge market out there in terms of technology applications, and Canada being one of the largest business process outsourcing centres. There is great opportunity for mutual co-operation between the two countries and a major trade mission is set to visit India shortly to explore business and trade potential."

She announced that the Canadian Government would open up nine visa facilitation centres across New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

This is being tackled by VFS (India), its partner, through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Going by its performance, the Canadian Government would take to this route in several other countries including emerging markets.

"With the new arrangements, Indian residents applying for all types of visas will now be able to submit their applications across the counter in these nine application centres. These would then be forwarded to the High Commission or the Consulate-General. However, in case of need for interview, this could be conveniently scheduled."

Referring to Indo-Canadian trade, which stands at about C$2 billion and is growing at about 14 per cent, she said that it would see faster growth, as newer segments of business are likely to grow.

Major IT companies like Infosys, Wipro and Satyam have a presence in Canada and continue to grow there significantly.

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