I am pleased and honoured to assume the role of President of Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) in 2022. I am deeply grateful to the National Board of Directors for the trust expressed in me and for the many messages of encouragement and support that I have received from everyone at ICBC.

I am inspired by the outstanding leadership of my predecessors and the commitment of the ICBC members who have collectively driven growth and achieved great success in strengthening the relationship between India and Canada in trade and other pivotal areas.

We have entered a period of great uncertainty with worries of an impending global recession. In the current situation we have to accelerate and address opportunities for the collaborative success of India and Canada.In doing so, I’d like to emphasize on the importance of being open and inclusive, which includes embracing the challenges brought by social, technological, economic and political change.

Here are the key focus areas I envision for ICBC:

• ICBC will continue to support the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India. Provide more opportunities and avenues for trade for both the countries.
• We have to continue to focus on developing STEM, digital and technical skills. With an increased focus on mobility of talent between the two countries.
• Provide a platform for joint innovation and open exchange of best practices. We have a thriving start-up ecosystem here in India, both countries can benefit immensely by collaborating in this area.
• Put sustainability front and center in everything we do,we must strive to help Indo-Canadian businesses to become more sustainable.

With the continued support of the ICBC members and leadership, I am confident that we will be steadfast in accomplishing this vision.

In the coming years, we will continue to enhance our ICBC member experience by augmenting opportunities for business and networking, deliver insights and thought leadership and offer platforms to engage with businesses in both countries.

I have tremendous respect of the opportunity handed to me, I thank each one of you and hope to give my best to serve ICBC, to help achieve its goals, and to further strengthen the relationship between India and Canada.

Warm regards,

Rakesh Aerath
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President
Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence
CGI