1.   

Key WTO members praise India for economic, trade reforms

Several WTO members, including Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, China, Pakistan and the European Union, today praised India for pursuing bold trade and development-friendly initiatives despite serious economic and social challenges. The US, however took several pot shots at New Delhi by commenting "about lack of transparency in many aspects of India’s trade policy" at the World Trade Organisation. During India’s trade policy review meeting at the .....

2.   

Govt to review restriction at next EGoM meet

Amid growing farmer protests and political pressure against the ban on onion exports, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas on Wednesday said the government might review the decision at the next meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Food. Last week, the EGoM, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, had decided to ban the export of onions — a staple of the Indian kitchen — to boost domestic supply and .....

3.   

Government plans to launch a national mission for food processing

The government plans to launch a national project for the food processing industries during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2012-17) to boost its share in the agri-business sector, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Harish Rawat said today. The government is contemplating to increase the share of food processing in agri-business sector from the current 11 per cent to .....

4.   

France: Tax on imported fruit and vegetables?

The French minister of Agriculture, Bruno Le Maire. has brought attention to a European negative, which allows the taxation of imported fruit and vegetables from third countries, which does not apply the same rules as the European Union.  The negative, which is part of European Law and has been validated by the WTO is just about in disuse. The minister announced this during the presentation of a plan of action for French fruit and vegetable growers, who are meeting with .....