Megrisoft’s Aprajita Kohli Joins Ontario Business Mission to India: Strengthening International Partnerships for Growth

Aprajita Kohli, Head of European Business Development at Megrisoft, made a significant presence at the Ontario Business Mission to India, held at the Taj Chandigarh on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. This high-profile session was part of a broader initiative aimed at deepening business ties between India and Ontario, Canada.

A Session Graced by Ontario’s Leadership

The event was addressed by prominent dignitaries, including Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, who shared her vision of fostering stronger economic and cultural connections with India. Joining her were Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and International Trade, and Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment, and Infrastructure. Their speeches underscored Ontario’s commitment to building enduring trade relationships with North India.

Kathleen Wynne emphasized how Ontario views India not just as an emerging market, but as a strategic partner in its economic growth story. She highlighted Ontario’s strengths in sectors like clean technology, education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing – areas where India seeks collaboration to accelerate development.

Focus Areas: Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment

The session was structured into three main tracks – Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure – to provide a focused approach for sector-specific discussions.

1. Environment Session:
Speakers discussed Ontario’s expertise in sustainable waste management and clean technologies. They showcased how Canadian companies have successfully implemented integrated waste-to-energy solutions, resulting in a 30% reduction in landfill use in Ontario municipalities. This approach could serve as a model for North Indian cities struggling with rapid urbanisation and waste management challenges.

2. Energy Session:
In the energy track, Ontario delegates introduced their achievements in renewable energy. Ontario is one of the first provinces in North America to eliminate coal-fired electricity generation, shifting to wind, solar, and hydro power. Speakers highlighted the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program that attracted over CAD 9 billion in investments and created 31,000 jobs, demonstrating their expertise in building a low-carbon economy. Indian attendees were keen to understand how these models can be adapted for India’s renewable targets under its National Solar Mission.

3. Infrastructure Session:
The infrastructure session was addressed by John Farrow, Chairman of LEA Group Holdings Inc. Mr Farrow provided insights into LEA Group’s extensive work in global infrastructure projects, particularly in roads, bridges, and urban planning. He shared examples such as their involvement in Ontario’s Highway 407 ETR – North America’s first all-electronic, open-access toll highway, which reduced traffic congestion and improved commuter experiences significantly.

Mr Farrow noted, “Ontario companies bring innovative approaches to infrastructure development, and we are keen to collaborate with Indian firms to build efficient, sustainable cities.” His emphasis on creating personal business relationships resonated with Indian delegates seeking technology and planning expertise for upcoming smart city projects.

Engaging Presentations and B2B Networking

Several Ontario companies delivered brief but impactful presentations outlining their backgrounds, areas of expertise, and the specific support they offer Indian partners. These included firms specialising in water treatment, transportation engineering, IT solutions, and higher education partnerships.

Another presentation highlighted opportunities for Indian students and institutions to partner with Ontario universities. Ontario is home to globally ranked universities like the University of Toronto and McMaster University, offering collaborative research, faculty exchange, and tailored programmes for Indian students aspiring for global careers.

Purpose and Outcomes of the Mission

The Ontario Business Mission aimed to build bridges for joint ventures, technology transfers, and long-term trade agreements. Canadian speakers emphasized that they were not merely seeking transactional deals, but rather strategic partnerships aligned with India’s development goals.

Aprajita Kohli’s participation underscored Megrisoft’s commitment to expanding its international business network and exploring cross-border collaborations in digital transformation, education technology, and smart infrastructure solutions. She remarked,

“It was inspiring to see Ontario’s approach to sustainable and inclusive growth. Sessions like these create invaluable opportunities for Indian companies to learn, adapt, and build lasting partnerships with global leaders.”

B2B Meetings: Fostering Direct Engagement

Following the presentations, a dedicated B2B session allowed Indian businesses to interact directly with Ontario delegates. Attendees discussed potential collaborations, market entry strategies, regulatory frameworks, and investment avenues in detail. These personalised interactions facilitated deeper understanding and laid the groundwork for actionable partnerships.

Closing with Networking Lunch

The session concluded with a networking lunch, during which participants continued informal discussions and explored potential avenues for follow-up meetings. Events like this, which combine structured knowledge-sharing with informal networking, are crucial in creating the trust and personal rapport necessary for successful international business relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario-India Collaboration: Focus on infrastructure, clean technology, and education sectors.

• Sectoral Expertise: Ontario showcased achievements in waste management, renewable energy, and innovative infrastructure.

• Strategic Partnerships: Focus on creating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships rather than short-term transactions.

• B2B Outcomes: Facilitated meaningful discussions and set the stage for future collaborations.

This event not only highlighted Ontario’s strengths but also reinforced India’s position as a high-potential partner on the global business map. Megrisoft’s active participation demonstrated its strategic vision to align with global best practices and create impactful solutions for its clients and communities.

Additionally, various companies gave brief presentations introducing the background and support they would like to offer. The session ended with Lunch and was followed by a B2B session with the companies.