Hyderabad, March 30 (IANS): Canada can provide expertise to the new states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in building smart cities, a Canadian diplomat said here on Monday.

Consul General in Bengaluru Sidney Frank, who is leading a business delegation on a two-day visit to the two states, made the remarks at meeting here.

Sixteen Canadian companies on Monday participated in a day-long workshop on "Shaping the South - Emerging smart city opportunities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh", organized by the Canadian Trade Commissioner's Service.

"Canada can provide expertise that is needed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. We are hoping for partnership between the Canadian companies and the two states. We see a great opportunity," Frank told IANS.

Officials from the two states and representatives of various Indian companies also attended the workshop, which was followed by meetings among the companies. "Hopefully, these B2B meetings will lead to some collaboration," he said.

Bombardier, the world's largest manufacturer of both planes and trains, Canadian Solar, CPCS, EA Farren Limited, Forrec Ltd and other Canadian firms with expertise in smart city development attended the workshop.

Frank pointed out that with 22 smart cities, Canada has a lot to offer to India in terms of expertise. He believes not just major companies but SMEs can also help through collaboration with Indian firms.