http://www.vancouversun.com/busines...ct+over+Commonwealth+Games/3575496/story.html
OTTAWA — India's trade minister lashed out at critics of his country's readiness to host the Commonwealth Games, warning prospective trade partners to treat the emerging economic powerhouse with "respect."
At a news conference Friday to promote trade talks with Canada, Anand Sharma rejected international criticism of the upcoming Games as "unfair" and "unwarranted." Critics have decried India's preparation for the games, noting that the athletes' village doesn't appear to be ready, among other concerns. On Friday, the president of Australia's Olympic Association said the Games never should have been awarded to India in the first place.
"There is no major project anywhere which is concluded to perfection," Sharma told reporters. "Trying to run down the country is not acceptable to us."
Sharma bristled at the suggestion that India would fail to welcome guests in an appropriate manner.
"We have very rich cultural traditions, and we know how to receive our guests. "Our guests will be welcomed, and the Commonwealth Games will be rejoiced and remembered," he said.
Sharma's comments came after he met with Canadian Trade Minister Peter Van Loan to discuss the formal launch of negotiations between the two countries on a free-trade agreement. On Friday, the two sides took another step closer to that goal with the release of a joint study highlighting key points to discuss.
Sharma reminded potential trade partners that India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. "It would be a mistake not to engage with India with respect, and when it comes to business, whose loss (would it) be?"
Also read the following comments posted by people in response to this news.
anonymous
1:04 PM on September 24, 2010
Respect where it's warranted. Judging from the pictures we saw yesterday, I'd say the criticizms are pretty valid.
Name withheld
anonymous
1:03 PM on September 24, 2010
You earn respect. Using the threat of possible trade problems or restrictions won't get respect. I think that this minister should pay attention to where their bread is buttered. Who does he think buys the products they produce. Stupid threats like this shows that they don't deserve respect.
OTTAWA — India's trade minister lashed out at critics of his country's readiness to host the Commonwealth Games, warning prospective trade partners to treat the emerging economic powerhouse with "respect."
At a news conference Friday to promote trade talks with Canada, Anand Sharma rejected international criticism of the upcoming Games as "unfair" and "unwarranted." Critics have decried India's preparation for the games, noting that the athletes' village doesn't appear to be ready, among other concerns. On Friday, the president of Australia's Olympic Association said the Games never should have been awarded to India in the first place.
"There is no major project anywhere which is concluded to perfection," Sharma told reporters. "Trying to run down the country is not acceptable to us."
Sharma bristled at the suggestion that India would fail to welcome guests in an appropriate manner.
"We have very rich cultural traditions, and we know how to receive our guests. "Our guests will be welcomed, and the Commonwealth Games will be rejoiced and remembered," he said.
Sharma's comments came after he met with Canadian Trade Minister Peter Van Loan to discuss the formal launch of negotiations between the two countries on a free-trade agreement. On Friday, the two sides took another step closer to that goal with the release of a joint study highlighting key points to discuss.
Sharma reminded potential trade partners that India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. "It would be a mistake not to engage with India with respect, and when it comes to business, whose loss (would it) be?"
Also read the following comments posted by people in response to this news.
anonymous
1:04 PM on September 24, 2010
Respect where it's warranted. Judging from the pictures we saw yesterday, I'd say the criticizms are pretty valid.
Name withheld
anonymous
1:03 PM on September 24, 2010
You earn respect. Using the threat of possible trade problems or restrictions won't get respect. I think that this minister should pay attention to where their bread is buttered. Who does he think buys the products they produce. Stupid threats like this shows that they don't deserve respect.
