The announcement of Sandhu's appointment came with the unveiling of a USD 1.25 million investment by the provincial government for the new position. The province's contribution was matched by hundreds of community supporters for a total of USD 2.5 million.
"In every sense of the word, it is a beautiful day," said Sandhu after the announcement, held at the UCFV campus. Sandhu's role will be to help businesses in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland access and connect with the Indian market.
Here's an individual who has embraced the very best of what we have to offer here in his home, but hasn't forgotten the potential of what lies half a world away, hasn't forgotten his roots, said Abbotsford-Mt Lehman MLA Mike de Jong.
Sandhu will play a significant role in advancing the province's Pacific gateway vision, said UCFV president Skip Bassford. Abbotsford has the highest proportion of Indo-Canadian people of any city in Canada.