Exports of Indian grapes to China currently only make up one per cent of the country’s total grape import market.
To encourage this, and tap into the US$630m market, Indian government agencies have been encouraging promotions following a “renewed focus” on agricultural produce trade between the two countries.
The New Indian Express reported that a buyer-seller meet was organised by the Indian embassy in Beijing and its consulates in Guangzhou and Shanghai with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The event brought together 23 Chinese importers and 100 Indian grape exporters for a buyer-seller meet and exhibition.
APEDA also hosted the Chinese importers on a trip to Nashik – a region which produces almost half of India’s exported grapes.
Through this venture, India is seeking to reduce its US$51bn trade deficit with China. Helping that along is the anticipated access for pomegranates and soybean meal.
During December Chinese representatives will visit India to inspect these items and Chinese authorities reported they will be cleared “at the earliest”.
The Indian embassy has also put forward access for okra, banana, sapota, papaya, soybean, maize, and sorghum.
