ICCC event in Toronto
It was great attending the ICCC speaker series with Peter Hall, Chief Economist, Export Development Canada. The event was at Royal York Hotel on June 15th. I was excited because not only it was my first event at ICCC but also I was hoping to meet with new people. I entered the hotel and it was not so difficult to figure out the event venue. Event started with a small pre-event networking session. I walked in and smelled nice Indian snacks. The nice combination of Indian samosas with mayonnaise reminded me that it was an Indo-Canadian meet. I helped myself with food and started talking with people around me. Attendees were managers from Canadian and Indian banks, independent consultants, entrepreneurs and students. It was interesting to talk to people from various backgrounds and to understand what they are doing currently.
Sooner we were escorted to the meeting hall. Event started by EDC India representative Vijyendra’s speech. It was great to know that he is also a Schulich alum. He talked about various initiatives taken by EDC to boost the relationship between Indian and Canadian companies. And I was feeling good when he told us that he will be flying next week to India for his new assignment. I felt nostalgic as I have not been to home for past 1.5 years.
The atmosphere was warmed up by ICCC’s director Pankaj Mehra’s sense of humour. He welcomed Peter Hall and Peter did not take much time to start his amazing speech. He set up the context by telling the potential, growth factors and problems of Indian economy. I chuckled – A Canadian economist is analyzing Indian economy so deeply and we Indians are analyzing Canadian economy. True globalization in a small room. Peter also explained how Canadian companies can increase their business with India as Indian government is directing huge funds towards infrastructure.
Well the event ended on a good thanks note by Pankaj. I was more than satisfied with the event. The event was like a Bollywood movie where I witnessed emotion, drama and action (but off course no music and dance around trees).
