Nenshi to travel to India with Calgary delegation for 'economic mission'

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi will lead a group of local representatives to India next month with an eye on understanding economic opportunities in that country.

"India will soon be the most populous country in the world," Nenshi said in a statement. "It's grown in recent years as a destination and trade partner for Calgary's goods and services, and we've only just begun to scratch the service of our economic potential in this market."

Along with Nenshi, the Calgary delegation will include Coun. George Chahal, University of Calgary president Ed McCauley and representatives from Calgary Economic Development (CED), among others.

The delegation will start the "economic mission" in New Delhi on March 1 before travelling to Bangalore and Mumbai, concluding on March 7.

"The mission is part of our strategy to develop [partnerships] that will advance investment interest, attract key tech talent, grow the roster of filmmakers and studios coming to Calgary to take advantage of our landscapes and film centre, and cultivate links between our respective education institutions," Nenshi said.

Soon projected to become the most populous nation in the world, India is home to nearly 1.5 billion people. Alberta runs an office in New Delhi, which promotes the province's interests in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

CED will incur the costs of the trip, according to a release. Participating post-secondary institutions will have to cover the costs of their flights, accommodation and other travel expenses.