The commerce ministry is working to address issues related to non-tariff barriers and market access for domestic products in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana and Gulf nations to boost India's exports, an official said.

 

The official said meetings have been held with Indian missions of the sub-Saharan African countries with which India has significant bilateral trade.

 

The major trading partners of India in that region in 2022-23 were South Africa (total trade USD 18.9 billion, exports USD 8.5 billion); Nigeria (USD 11.85 billion, exports USD 5.15 billion); Togo (USD 6.6 billion, exports USD 6 billion), and Tanzania (USD 6.5 billion, exports USD 3.93 billion).

 

The other countries were Mozambique (USD 5 billion, exports USD 2.5 billion); Angola (USD 4.22 billion, exports USD 621 million); and Kenya (USD 3.4 billion, exports USD 3.2 billion).

 

'A virtual meeting with Indian Mission of top 10 countries (bilateral trade-wise) in sub-Saharan African region was held in September to discuss the overall economic and commercial relations with those countries, export performance and non-tariff barriers which are acting as impediments to bilateral trade and enhance exports,' the official said.

 

A similar meeting was also held with Indian Missions in GCC countries. GCC is a union of six countries in the Gulf region -- Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. The council is the largest trading bloc of India.

 

The bilateral trade in 2022-23 with these countries stood at USD 52.76 billion with Saudi Arabia; USD 84.8 billion with the UAE; USD 18.77 billion with Qatar; USD 13.8 billion with Kuwait; and USD 12.4 billion with Oman.

 

The ministry has asked exporters to focus on potential key sectors such as food, electronics and engineering, and major markets to boost exports.

 

It has suggested focus on organising fairs and exhibitions at global scale.

 

India's merchandise exports rose 6.21 per cent to USD 33.57 billion in October this year, even as the trade deficit touched a record high of USD 31.46 billion during the month.

 

Imports increased 12.3 per cent to USD 65.03 billion during the month due to a jump in gold imports.

 

Cumulatively, exports during the April-October period this fiscal contracted 7 per cent to USD 244.89 billion, while imports fell 8.95 per cent to USD 391.96 billion.

 

The trade deficit during the seven-month period was USD 147.07 billion against USD 167.14 billion in the corresponding period last year.

 

Think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) in its report, released in August, has said India needs to act in a fast-track manner for removal of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) being faced by domestic exporters in different countries to achieve one trillion dollar outbound shipment target for goods by 2030.

 

Key Indian exports that face high barriers include ceramic tiles in Egypt; and microbiological regents in Saudi Arabia, the report added.

 

Most Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) are domestic rules created by countries with an aim to protect human, animal or plant health and environment.

 

NTM may be technical measures like regulations, standards, testing, certification, pre-shipment inspection or non-technical measures like quotas, import licensing, subsidies, government procurement restrictions.

 

When NTMs become arbitrary, beyond scientific justification, they create hurdles for trade and are called NTBs.

 

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), an organization under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, played an instrumental role as an export facilitator and flagged off its Cashew Nut shipment to Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia and the USA to mark National Cashew Day on November 23rd, 2023. Bangladesh will be receiving it’s first-ever shipment of Cashew Nuts all the way from Odisha.

 

After Côte d'Ivoire, India is the second largest producer and exporter of Cashew Nuts with a share of more than 15%, followed by Vietnam in the world’s cashew export. India’s top export destinations are the UAE, the Netherlands, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the major Cashew producing states in India. India primarily exports Cashew Kernels with small quantities of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and Cardanol.

 

With the UAE and the Netherlands remaining as the top export destinations for Indian Cashew Nuts, APEDA is working towards exploring new markets for cashew in the international markets of Japan, Saudi Arabia, UK, Spain, Kuwait, Qatar, USA and European countries, etc.

 

APEDA jointly with its Regional Offices organised programmes to celebrate the National Cashew Day in seven states in collaboration with the Cashew Association, Exporters and Stakeholders. The event included a diverse range of activities such as interaction sessions with the stakeholder of Cashew, Platform for Networking, Knowledge Sharing, and discussion on industry trends and challenges faced in the sector.

 

On the onset of the event that brings together stakeholders, exporters, and enthusiasts from the cashew industry Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman (APEDA) addressed the participants to celebrate the National Cashew Day, 'Today, our various regional offices of APEDA have come together to not just celebrate but to engage in meaningful discussions on the growth trends, production, export strategies, and the challenges faced by the cashew sector.'

 

The demand for cashew products has been on the rise, and to see the industry evolve and thrive is a heartening moment. The growth is a testament to the hard work of the farmers, processors, and exporters.

 

The chairman further applauded and encouraged the farmers and growers of cashew nuts, 'Our dedicated farmers have played a crucial role in contributing to the increased production of cashews. Their commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices has not only elevated the industry standards but has also positioned us as key players in the global market.'

 

As soon as Cashew Nut and its product has come in the ambit of APEDA, it has been engaging with the stakeholder of Cashew Nut sector to address the various issues and challenges facing the industry in the form of modernization and the processing facilities, logistics, quality and strict international competition.

 

The event was one such platform to engage with the stakeholder of the Cashew Nut sector in all Cashew Nut producing areas of the country and APEDA will intensify such initiative to regain its position in the World Cashew Nut trade.

 

In the future, APEDA may intervene in the automation of the cashew industry. Training of professionals, registration of cashew processing units, and a traceability system will be formulated for cashew, replicating peanuts. APEDA will disseminate cashew-related information to stakeholders. APEDA is dedicated to continually exploring innovative methods, leveraging technology, and strengthening trade relations to ensure that Indian cashew products reach every corner of the world.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the 6th India-Japan Indo-Pacific Forum, recently highlighted the steadily broadening India-Japan partnership in recent years.

 

'It is reflected in arrangements such as the Quad, the supply chain resilience initiative, the clean energy partnership, and the semiconductor supply chain partnership. We have also joined multilateral initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEC),' Jaishankar virtually said at the forum held on November 16.

 

The external affairs minister termed these arrangements as critical in creating a reliable and resilient global economy. Japan, he said, continued to play an important role in India's economic growth story as it is actively involved in various national campaigns and flagship initiatives of India.

 

'Particularly noteworthy are the infrastructure development, ICT and digitization, energy, space, food processing, science and technology, healthcare, and R&D cooperation,' Jaishankar said.

 

Against that backdrop, the minister noted that both countries are working on a shared commitment to realise the Yen 5 trillion goals of investment, which is approximately USD 42 billion over the next five years.

 

'Defence and security have also seen growth. In recent years, there has been an increasing frequency of defence exchanges. In January this year, we achieved a new milestone through the Veer Guardian bilateral fighter aircraft exercise. We also see scope for increasing defense equipment and technology cooperation,' he said.

 

2023 has also been an important year for both countries, as they chaired the G20 and G7, respectively.

 

'As chairs of two international groupings, the G20 and the G7, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility that India took up the G20 presidency. Our vision of one earth, one family, and one future sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of the few. It was at India's initiative that the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, and through that, we gave them a long overdue voice at such an important institution,' Jaishankar said.

 

Notably, India and Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Both countries are celebrating 2023 as the India-Japan tourism exchange year with the theme 'Connecting the Himalayas with Mount Fuji'.

 

'The purpose of these celebrations is to facilitate greater engagement between our peoples, which would further solidify the foundation of our ties. Today's dialogue is a very good example of a platform that brings together very diverse points of view to enhance and deepen our relationship,' he concluded.

In a landmark achievement, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India has successfully facilitated the first-ever shipment of cashew nuts from the state of Odisha to Bangladesh. 

 

The consignment, comprising 2 metric tons of premium quality cashew nuts, was exported by the West Bengal-based exporter M/s. Paaf Global Pvt Limited. This monumental step not only strengthens economic ties between the two nations but also opens up new avenues for the agricultural sector in Odisha.

 

The cashew nuts, sourced from the renowned company 'Passion Gourmet,' run by a dynamic women entrepreneur in Odisha signify a blend of quality and empowerment. This initiative holds particular significance as it aligns with the broader mission of promoting women-led businesses and developing economic growth in the region.

 

To mark this historic occasion and to celebrate National Cashew Day on November 23, 2023, APEDA, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has organized an Export-Oriented Capacity Development Program in the conference hall of IDCO, Bhubaneswar. This program is designed to sensitize Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), inspiring them to venture into the field of agriculture exports. By encouraging them to become exporters, the initiative aims to eliminate middlemen from the supply chain, thus maximizing farmer’s income.

 

The shipment was virtually flagged of by Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman-APEDA in the presence of senior officersof APEDA, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, IAS Principal Secretary – Dept. of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha,Shri Saswat Mishra, IAS Principal Secretary-Dept. of MSME, Govt. of Odisha,other senior officers of Govt. of Odisha, ECGC, NABARD, RPQS, CUSTOMs etc. Around 40 members of FPOs/FPCs from cashew growing districts joined & witnessed the flag-off ceremony.

 

Mr. Abishek Dev, IAS, Chairman APEDA, in his virtual address expressed his immense pleasure on National Cashew Day being observed in the entire nation with a positive wave and lauded the developments happening towards the growth of Cashew exports from India. He further congratulated the export taking place from Odisha.

 

Dr. Arabinda Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmer Empowerment, Government of Odisha spoke in detail about the various potentials and production strength of the State. He also expressed his delight on the State being surplus in sapling production and increased yield with enhanced quality. He congratulated the initiative which has led to export of the cashew consignment.

 

Mr. Saswat Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha in his address spoke about the vast opportunity available and potentials for growth of exports from Odisha. He highlighted the various facilities made available to the entrepreneurs through common facilitation centers at various locations in the State. He lauded the efforts being taken by APEDA and other facilitation agencies for the achievement.

 

Mr. Sukanata Panigrahi, Board Member, APEDA, congratulated the APEDA team for successful execution of exports from the State and also highlighted the importance and developments happening in cashew sector.

 

Mr. Subrata Ghosh, Managing Director of M/s. Paaf Global Pvt Limited, expressed his excitement about this remarkable achievement, stating, 'This successful shipment not only represents a significant achievement for the cashew industry in Odisha but also reflects the potential for growth and collaboration in the agricultural sector between India and Bangladesh.'

 

Subsequent shipments of cashewnut from Odisha are being planned for some otherglobal destinations including Bahrain & Qatar,as committed by the exporter.

 

The program was coordinated by World Trade Center Bhubaneswar and Ananya.

 

This initiative not only holds promise for the economic prosperity of the region but also aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant India, developing entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural export.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a consultation with senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and envoys on strengthening India's commitment to BIMSTEC.

 

'A productive consultation on strengthening India's commitment to BIMSTEC. Joined by senior MEA officials, our Ambassadors in BIMSTEC countries and our incoming Secretary General,' Jaishankar posted on X on Thursday.

 

BIMSTEC: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation -- is an international organisation of seven countries; Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.

 

It is a regional multilateral organisation and its members lie in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity.

 

BIMSTEC not only connects South and Southeast Asia but also the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.

 

It mainly aims to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development; accelerate social progress; and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region.

 

Earlier in July, Jaishankar attended the inaugural BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Bangkok, Thailand which saw the participation by foreign ministers of all the seven BIMSTEC members.

 

During the meeting, EAM took forward New Delhi's Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, which are part of India's foreign policy focussing on its extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Meanwhile, the virtual G20 Summit was held under the chairmanship of PM Modi on Wednesday. The 18th G20 Leaders' Summit was held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

 

It saw the unanimous adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, which demonstrated the commitment of the G20 leaders to address global challenges in an inclusive, decisive and action-oriented manner.

 

During his remarks after the summit, Jaishankar revealed that G20 members welcomed the understanding reached on critical issues, including the release of hostages, the flow of relief material to Gaza, and a temporary pause in the fighting. The leaders conveyed a strong sentiment towards ensuring the implementation of the agreed-upon commitments.

 

He also underlined the summit's significance as the first gathering of world leaders following the outbreak of conflict in West Asia. 

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the proposed free trade agreements with the European Union and four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) group are doable, but they should keep in mind India’s concerns as the level of economic development is different.

 

'We are in active dialogue with the EU and EFTA for a free trade agreement... I do believe that both of these are eminently doable and will significantly help us expand our engagement not only in trade in goods services, but also in investments, technology, tourism, innovation, and clean energy,' Goyal said at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) India-Nordic Baltic Business Conclave.

 

The Nordic Region nations include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, Faroe Islands, and Greenland, while Baltic states include Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

 

He said the EU and EFTA countries need to understand certain 'very important and significant' differences between the two set of regions.

 

EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

 

India and EFTA are negotiating a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.

 

Goyal said Nordic and Baltic nations can act as India’s ambassadors in the EU and the EFTA to help them understand certain very important and significant differences between the two set of regions engaging with each other.

 

'Unless this is understood by the member countries of the EU and the EFTA, it will be very difficult to look at really concluding a high quality but fair, balanced, and equitable arrangement between them,' Goyal said.

 

Citing the example of Norway, Goyal said Norway has about 6,000 fishermen as compared to about 4 million in India, who are small and marginalised. While Indian fishermen are engaged in basic fishing near the shores, as compared to developed nations where fishermen go deep into the sea for fishing, he said.

 

The amount of investment in subsidising Norway's fishermen is multi-fold as compared to India.

 

'It is not an equal competition,' he said, adding that free trade has to have enough opportunity to catch up 'when you are staring from two different levels'.

 

He said the Nordic-Baltic region has come close to India in recent years and Indian cuisine, Bollywood, yoga, ayurveda, and textiles are popular in that region, and that these nations have the best of innovation, green tech, AI, and blockchain-led transformation, supply chain logistics and fintech and these are the areas where there is a huge scope for collaboration with India.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority -APEDA (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) celebrated the National Cashew Day on 23rd November 2023 at Hotel Green Park, Visakhapatnam in association with Andhra Pradesh Cashew Manufacturer’s Association, Andhra Pradesh.

 

The programme was graced by Chief Guest of Sri. M. Venkateshwarlu, Additional Director of Horticulture, Dept. of Horticulture, Govt. of AP, emphasized on Cashew cultivation technologies, Cashew production, value addition, mechanisation in processing, exports of cashew from Andhra Pradesh and government supported schemes to cashew FPOs, processors etc.

 

Sri K. Polaiah, APEDA Authority Member addressed on cashew exports and APEDA contribution in exports.

 

Mr. Phani Raghavulu, President, Andhra Pradesh Cashew Manufacturer’s Association, AP highlighted cashew industry growth in India, issues faced by industry and intervention of state and central government for sustaining cashew industry.

 

The officials from various departments i.e. Dept. of Horticulture, Indian Institute of Packaging, Plant Quarantine Station, EIA, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, FSSAI, DMI, SIDBI, NABARD, AP Food Processing Society and Cashewnut Research Station have participated and given presentation on their role in cashew production, marketing and promotion. 

 

Mr. RP Naidu, AGM have deliberated role of APEDA in Cashew exports and its promotion in global level and financial assistance schemes to exporters.

 

Around 160 members were attended event which includes Officials, farmers, FPOs, processors, exporters and members from APCMA (Andhra Pradesh Cashew Manufacturer’s Association).

 

The exporters have displayed various cashew based products. 10 CEO’s of Cashew FPOs from six districts have participated and connected with processors and exporters. This event is helpful for FPOs to linkage with cashew processors and exporters to market their produce.

The government on Thursday clarified onion consignments that have been handed over to the customs authorities and are registered in their systems before October 29 can be exported till November 30. On October 28, the government imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne on onion exports till December 31 this year with a view to increase availability of the vegetable in the domestic market and to contain prices.

 

'Where onion consignment has been handed over to the customs before October 29, 2023... and is registered in their system/ where onions consignment has entered the customs station for exportation before this notification and is registered in the electronic systems of the concerned custodian of the customs station with verifiable evidence of date and time stamping of these commodities having entered the station prior to October 29.

 

'The period of export shall be up to November 30 this year,' the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said.

 

It added that the export duty paid before issuance of this notification would not be refunded.

The FSSAI has issued an order setting the revised application fees for 'vegan logo endorsement' at Rs 10,000 excluding GST.

 

The fee has been reduced from the previously announced Rs 25,000 excluding GST per product.

 

Now the application fee is set at Rs 10,000 excluding GST per application irrespective of number of products.

 

The food authority has issued an order, in this regard, and the revised application fee for vegan logo endorsement shall come into force with immediate effect.

 

'In continuation of the revised guidelines dated 24th February 2023 regarding submission of applications for endorsement of vegan logo and formats thereof, it is stated that FSSAI has

revised the application fees for vegan logo endorsement for applied products from Rs 25,000 excluding GST per product to Rs 10,000 per application irrespective of number of products,' reads the order of the FSSAI.

 

Previously, the FSSAI has issued a FAQ on vegan logo endorsement to help the food businesses, which clearly says that vegan endorsement is only applicable for products that are not of animal origin (like milk and milk products /meat and meat products/fish and fish products/poultry & egg products/cheese analogues/dairy analogues) and in which, at no stage of production and processing, ingredients (like honey), including additives (like gelatine), flavourings, enzymes and carriers, or processing aids (like bone char filter) that are of animal origin has been used.

India has launched a five-day Millets Festival here in the Indonesian capital to raise awareness for millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food choice and create a market for millets-based products among the 10-member ASEAN bloc.

 

The Indian Mission to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have jointly organised the ‘ASEAN-India Millets Festival’ starting November 22 during which a Millet-centric exhibition is being held featuring participation from Millet-based FPOs, start-ups and Indian chefs.  

 

'The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) participated in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit on September 7. During the ASEAN-India summit, one of the joint statements adopted was about food security,' India's Ambassador to ASEAN Jayant Khobragade said.

 

'In two months, we are having the Millet Festival which also covers food security. That is how effectively our comprehensive strategic partnership is working,' he said.

Describing millets as one of the important elements for ensuring food security, he said this was very well in the overall framework of the ASEAN-India relationship.

 

'There is a lot of interest. For this millet festival, we have representation not only from Indian farmers and industrialists but also from ASEAN member states,' he added.

 

Khobragade also highlighted the crucial role of millet in addressing global hunger and nutrient deficiencies.

 

Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency (Badan Pangan Nasional (BPN)) Indonesia, underscored millets as a farmer-friendly and sustainable food choice for the future in the face of climate change.

 

He said that the ASEAN -India Millet Festival has an opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of millet, from nutritional status and environmental sustainability to economic development.

 

The ‘ASEAN-India Millets Festival’, at the Kota Kasablanka Mall, a prominent shopping destination in south Jakarta, aims to create a market for millets and millets-based products among the ASEAN Member states.

 

The 10 member countries of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

 

Millets can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilient to changes in climate. They are, therefore, an ideal solution for countries to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains.

 

India spearheaded the UN General Assembly Resolution for declaring the year 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets', a move aimed at addressing food security challenges.

 

The Year will also promote the sustainable production of millets while highlighting their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.

 

India’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is leading a delegation at the event, representing a diverse set of professionals from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), industry leaders and more.

 

A Millet-centric exhibition is being held as part of the festival featuring participation from Millet-based FPOs, start-ups and Indian chefs.

 

The exhibition also aims to foster collaboration between ASEAN countries, celebrate cultural and culinary diversity and promote sustainable millet practices for a healthier future.

 

The exhibition features five Indian FPOs, namely Citi Block FPC, Jewargi Taluka Millets FPC, Bhumitrajalalpur, Vaam Agro, and Lambasingi Tribal Products FPC, and two start-ups namely Taru Naturals and Sattva Millets and Food Products (Mibbles) exhibiting unique millet-added products such as millet cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more.

 

Ankit Patel, who represented Ahmedabad-based Vaam Agro company that deals in spices, said that he started manufacturing the millets-based products just four months ago and till now the company has sold products worth Rs 50 lakhs.

 

'We have started with six Millets products, including Dhokla and Khakhra. Our products have got a great response,' Patel said.

 

Indonesia-based Rizal Satria said that he started manufacturing millet-based products three years ago when very few people in his country knew about such products.

 

'Now more people know about it and we expect a steady growth in our Millets business of Millets,' he said.

 

A major highlight of the festival is the live cooking workshop, where celebrity chefs from India and Indonesia will showcase the culinary potential of millets.