But officials on both sides are still working on smoothing out several impediments, Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day acknowledged in a teleconference conducted from Ahmedabad last week.

"Inconsistent visa outcomes for students did come up, as did visas for businessmen," the minister said in response to a query from Focus.

"We are aware of this issue, and are trying to resolve it by investing more in our resources. But simultaneously, we're seeking to encourage our institutions to directly promote their programs," much as Australia is already doing in India, he said.

He also expressed optimism about bilateral trade, noting Canada's strengths particularly in alternative energy and India's need to shore up its own future energy security presaged well for bilateral trade.

The minister praised the economic strides Gujarat has taken in recent years, even as he sought to downplay the travel advisory Canada has put out against India.

"Such advisories are normally issued as warnings during times of possible international outbreaks... but speaking for myself, I had no problems travelling and eating out in Indian restaurants, and the like," he said.

Along with existing trade offices in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai and Chandigarh, the new office in Ahmedabad will provide market intelligence and expert advice to help Canadian companies to take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in this highly sought-after market.

"With a total of eight trade offices in India, our government has created one of Canada's most extensive trade networks anywhere in the world, and is our third biggest after the US and China," said Day.

"This new trade office will help bring us closer to our goal of doubling our two-way trade with India over the next five years, to reach $10 billion annually."