1.   

Barcodes to track vegetable, fruit exports

Commerce ministry plans measures to monitor quality of products to meet global standards With most of the developed world following stringent quality standards while importing food products, the commerce ministry is mulling a system to monitor the exports of all fruits and vegetables. The ministry plans to put in place an end-to-end system called HortiNet for monitoring these exports by barcoding them.

2.   

Cameron begins India trade trip

David Cameron has begun a three-day visit to India in what the government says is the largest trade delegation ever taken by a prime minister Plans to promote business with the UK include introducing a simpler visa system, plus Britain giving financial help towards an economic corridor between Mumbai and Bangalore, if the Indian government matches funding.

3.   

India, France to hold finmin level talks to boost trade

Pushing for India-EU trade pact to boost their economic ties, New Delhi and Paris today decided to hold finance ministry-level talks every year for promoting bilateral trade and investment. After a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting French President Francois Hollande, the two sides in a joint statement emphasised on further expanding their engagements in trade and investment.

4.   

Wheat, maize exports to remain globally competitive till June: NCAER report

Amid rising foodgrains stocks, there is some good news, as a recent report has indicated that India’s wheat exports are expected to remain competitive at least till July 2013 giving the government a good opportunity to liquidate its grain inventories and create storage space. Export of maize is also expected to remain competitive in world markets because of low global supplies, but poor domestic production might crimp any sharp surge in overseas sales.