Posted on 06/04/2009, 11:48 am, by mySteinbach

At the official signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Manitoba and the State of Punjab, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk agreed to market the province’s expertise to support the establishment of a food development centre in Punjab to help expand India’s agri-food industry. 
 
“The Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie has developed expertise in designing, developing, equipping and operating such centres,” said Wowchuk.  “In a spirit of co-operation, we can provide our expertise, technical training and experience in all these areas as well as food product and process development.  We know the exchange of knowledge, research and technology can create profitable advantages for both Manitoba and India.”
 
The agreement includes Manitoba’s package of consultant services in client and facility management, food-safety processes that are consistent with market demands, and pilot plant procedures.  Training in client incubator operations will also be available to the food development centre in Punjab once the facility is built and operational.
 
The minister noted, in recent years, Manitoba has established a positive relationship with India through exchange tours with the agriculture and agri-food sectors.  The province has also gained experience with India’s business community through similar MOUs and working relationships. Alliances developed between the governments and agri-business industries of Manitoba and India have since helped to create mutually beneficial economic, educational, research and development, and commercial relations.
 
“Expertise in all aspects of the food development industry is one of the many valuable services Manitoba has to offer and our record for success speaks for itself,” said the minister.  “The ability to foster economic growth and support commercialization of value-added agri-food processing are important activities to any country moving to expand its agri-food industry.”
 
The MOU highlights the province’s willingness to share technical expertise promoting opportunities for entrepreneurs in India and Manitoba to create trade partnerships and open the door to future business relationships.