Bussiness Line 13.10.2010
Mangalore Corpn, Delta city of Canada sign pact on economic development
Both these cities are coastal communities with a large port, a strong agricultural base, and a diverse local economy.
Our Bureau
Mangalore, Oct. 12
Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) and the Corporation of Delta, Canada, have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on the economic development of the two cities.
Ms Lois E. Jackson, Mayor of Delta, who signed the MoA on behalf of Corporation of Delta, said that Delta is well positioned to play a major role for business and industry from Mangalore.
She said that both Delta and Mangalore are similar in many respects. Both these cities are coastal communities with a large port, a strong agricultural base, and a diverse local economy.
Considering this, the MoA intends to establish economically robust and sustainable twinning partnership based on existing common industrial, commercial and agricultural economies.
From these economies, other mutually beneficial linkages and cross-benefits involving education, training, culture, tourism and sports are anticipated to flow, she said.
Stating that Canada recognises the opportunities India presents, she said: “We are actively promoting economic ties between the two countries and between our two cities.”
Delta's strengths
Giving an overview of Delta city, Ms Jackson said Delta is a major transportation hub with access for rail, shipping, trucking and highway network.
On infrastructure development in Delta, she said that with the completion of the $1.2-billion South Fraser Perimeter Road in Delta by 2013, the efficiency of Delta's transportation network will increase substantially. With this, direct access will be provided to most of the industrial lands in Delta.
She said Delta is home to Port Metro Vancouver's Deltaport terminal – the largest container port in Canada. It has undergone a $ 400 million expansion recently, she added.
Mr George Harvey, Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation of Delta, accompanied the Mayor during her visit to Mangalore.
Ms Rajani Dugganna, Mangalore Mayor, signed the MoA on behalf of MCC. Dr K.N. Vijayaprakash, Commissioner of Mangalore City Corporation, was present on the occasion.
Earlier, Councilors of MCC interacted with the delegation of Corporation of Delta. Both sides exchanged views on various matters of interest on the occasion.