Canada's Atlantic Gateway to boost Indo-US trade

Canada said on Monday that Indian firms should take advantage of the strategically-located Atlantic Gateway to enhance trade with the North American region.

"Canada's Atlantic Gateway is a system of transportation infrastructure that facilitates the movement of international trade to and from North America," Minister of Atlantic Canada Peter MacKay said at a Confederation of Indian Industry seminar in New Delhi.

With an integrated network of marine, air, road and rail systems, the Atlantic Gateway provides strong connections to global markets, he said, adding that upon entry, goods flow easily through the Gateway's transportation corridors to major markets in Central Canada and the US.

The gateway is located on Canada's east coast, encompassing the four Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Foundland Labrador.

"The Gateway would provide improved access to Indian companies in the North American markets and facilitate fast and cheap trade," he said.

MacKay, who is on a four-day visit to India, is accompanied by representatives from the government as well as private firms from sectors like airports, ports and railways.

He said the visit would enable Canadian businessmen to develop and strengthen commercial ties with their Indian counterparts.