John McNeil, who led the delegation, said at a Press conference today that opening of the insurance sector was being eagerly awaited and they hoped to see introduction of the IRA Bill soon. Other focus sectors for Canada in the State include infrastructure, export finance, environment, consumer goods, mining equipments, oil and gas, information technology, freight forwarding, healthcare, urban transportation and construction products.

Reacting to a query on why the four Canadian companies that have signed MoUs with Gujarat-based firms at the Infotechmart in December 1998 had not followed up with any investment, High Commissioner Peter Walker said the projects were still being studied for their credibility and viability. `India was one of Canada's top ten trading partners with emphasis on dealing with Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad,'' said Walker.

To facilitate interaction between members of the visiting delegation and businessmen in the State, CII organised a seminar on `Forging Opportunity in Gujarat' which was attended by over 20 Canadian executives, representing Canadian multinationals and small and medium enterprises. The delegation also held meetings with senior officials from Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, chairperson of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd and CII members.

The High Commissioner will leave for Vadodara tomorrow where he will address the Canadian Study Centre at the University. On October 29, he will visit the drilling site of the Canadian company Niko Resources.