Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, participated in the third in-person IPEF Ministerial meeting on 14th November, 2023. During this Ministerial meeting, the first-of-its-kind IPEF Supply Chain Resilience Agreement was signed by the Minister along with the Ministers from other IPEF partner countries. The Agreement is expected to make IPEF supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated, and contribute towards economic development and progress of the region as a whole.

 

Speaking at the event, the Shri Goyal emphasized enhanced collaboration to realize collective aims of the IPEF, particularly on the need for mobilizing affordable financing for clean economy transition and for enhancing technology cooperation. He also urged early implementation of the envisaged cooperative work under IPEF, including on bio-fuels alliance suggested by India.   

 

Further, the Ministers from IPEF partner countries also had productive discussions on the substantial progress made by the IPEF partners on Pillar-III (Clean Economy) and Pillar-IV (Fair Economy). Speaking at the Ministerial meeting, the Minister suggestedenhanced collaboration among IPEF partners.

 

Also, on the sidelines of the IPEF Ministerial, the Minister held bilateral meetings with Her Excellency Ms. Gina Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce, His Excellency Mr. Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of International Trade & Industry, Ministry of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia, and His Excellency Dr. (HC) IR. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia.

 

During these Ministerial meetings, the Minister, inter-alia, discussedbilateral collaboration on trade, commerce and investment, enhanced business engagements, WTO matters, and other issues of mutual interest. During the interaction with his counterparts from ASEAN countries, the Minister suggested expedited conclusion of the AITIGA review.

 

The Minister and the US Secretary of Commerce co-chaireda kick-off industry roundtable titled, 'Decoding the 'Innovation Handshake': U.S. – India Entrepreneurship Partnership', which was co-hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and supported by National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) and Startup India, CEOs from major ICT companies, executives from venture capital firms, and founders of startups in the critical and emerging technology space.

 

Capping off the day’s engagements, the Minister held an interaction with Indian entrepreneurs in the Western United States. The interaction was organized by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco in collaboration with IIT Alumni & TIE Global. Addressing the gathering, the Minister spoke about the immense potential that exists in India and the role that Indian diaspora, particularly the entrepreneurs, could play in accelerating India’s economic growth and development. He also exhorted them to support Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for being vocal for local, and then turning local into global. 

 

While Maharashtra takes pride in its Alphonso, for which it acquired a GI Tag in October 2018, people of the state are proving not to be Alphonso purists but rather big lovers of the mango. So much so, that when the first lot of Malawi mangoes, which are identical to Alphonso in taste and texture, arrived in Vashi APMC fruit market from East Africa on Saturday, the boxes were sold within minutes.

 

A shipment of 598 boxes hit the market which were priced between Rs.4,500 and Rs.5,500 per box at the wholesale yard. Pune-based retailer bought 100 boxes, the rest were sold to patrons from Mumbai. The season for these mangoes will be from mid-November to mid-December and more Malawi mangoes are expected to reach the market in the coming days.

 

The mango season in India stretches from April to July, and of the more than 1,000 varieties that hit the markets, the much-coveted Alphonso remains undefeated as the king. During its brief season, the obsession around it remains on par with Bollywood and cricket. Even in the off-season, such as November-December, Mumbaiites crave Alphonso and thanks to Malawi mangoes, the taste buds are satiated.

 

Anil Karhale, a retailer from Crawford Market says he has celebrity clients who purchased the Malawi mangoes from him. 'Right from Sachin Tendulkar to Amitabh Bachchan, these mangoes go to several celebrity homes in Mumbai,' said Karhale, who has been getting the Malawi mangoes for the last two years now, had got 45 boxes on Saturday of which all got sold off. In the retail market, the price of Malawi is from Rs.5,000 to Rs.7,000.

 

Just like Alphonso from western Maharashtra, its African version which arrives from Malawi, a country in East Africa, has a tender, rich, creamy taste. The flesh of the mango is a saffron yellow in colour. The skin of a fully ripe mango is yellow with a red tinge and golden hue.

 

Around thirteen years back, the producers in Malawi got a few Alphonso mango sticks from Ratnagiri which were grafted and planted across a 26-acre farm. Today, it is spread across 600 acres. These mangoes were exported to India in 2018. The first 40-ton mangoes had arrived in the APMC market which then cost Rs.1,500 per box. The popularity of these mangoes went off the charts which resulted in the arrival of 70 tons of mangoes in 2019. During Covid, only 15-ton Malawi mangoes reached the market which were priced between Rs.2,500 to Rs.3,000 per box.

 

'Indian mangoes are not available from October to December. In East Africa, this is the season when mangoes are harvested. Hence there is no clash between both the seasons and patrons are spoilt for choice. Indian Alphonso arrive from January till June from various parts of South and Konkan belt of Maharashtra,' Sanjay Pansare, importer of the Malawi mangoes from APMC market, said.

 

This year, according to Pansare, the crops yielded more fruits than last year and hence more number of Malawi mangoes are expected to reach the market in the coming days. 'Malawi mango season is expected to be there till December 20 and a total of 75 tonnes is expected to reach the market. As the produce keeps coming in, the rates would go down but not as much as our Indian Alphonso. Mangoes give more produce every alternate year. Last year the produce was less and hence the rates were high and the quantity that reached us was also less,' Pansare, who is also the director of the fruit market in APMC, said, adding, 'There is a huge demand for the mangoes as they are similar in taste to the famous Alphonso variety from Ratnagiri district. Retailers look forward to Malawi mangoes as both countries have different harvest windows.' The price of these mangoes is high also because they meet European standards as they undergo hot water treatment. 'The sand and weather in Malawi is similar to that of India. That’s why they taste almost like the Alphonso. They smell similar to the mother plant which is here in India,' Pansare added.Shaam Bherumal from Cuff Parade who purchased 100 boxes from Pansare has sold around 15 boxes on day one. 'The mangoes will ripen in the next five days and by then we are expecting the stock to get over. Malawi mangoes, once they enter, get sold off and are mostly used in Diwali gifting,' Bherumal added.

 

India will allow around 103,600 tonnes of food items to be exported to Bhutan under a humanitarian operation, making an exception for its strategic partners amid export restrictions, two senior government officials said. This comes after possible signs of progress in long-running boundary talks between China and Bhutan grabbed India’s attention as Beijing stepped up efforts to establish diplomatic ties with the tiny Himalayan kingdom.

 

In August, it exported 79,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Bhutan, followed by 1.98 million tonnes of the staple to nine other key Asian and African nations, including Singapore, Nepal, Malaysia and the Philippines upon request after India imposed a ban on exports of non-basmati white rice on 20 July.

 

India will supply 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of wheat flour, nearly 15,300 tonnes of maida, suji (semolina) and 48,804 tonnes of broken rice to Bhutan under humanitarian operations, one of the officials said. It will also supply around 20,000 tonnes of sugar to Bhutan, the other official said.

 

The exports will be done through National Cooperative Exports Ltd, a government export body which was set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 to export agricultural produce and allied items.

 

'We cannot turn down requests for food items by countries such as Nepal and Bhutan that are dependent on imports to meet their domestic demand. To keep the strategic relationship intact both ways, despite the ban, we are offering help to an extent that doesn’t pinch us,' the second official added.

 

Bhutan depends on imports to meet food demand. It mainly imports oil and fuels, base metals, machinery and electrical appliances, vehicles, wood and food. Bhutan’s main import partner is India which contributes to around 80% of total imports.

 

Other import partners include South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China and Nepal.

 

From April to September, India’s agricultural exports to Bhutan were $65.19 million as against $79.63 million in the same period last year. In FY23, India’s exports to Bhutan of goods in agricultural commodities, including cereals, spices, meat, dairy and poultry products were $148.31 million of total $1.07 billion against $135.94 million out of a total $874.53 million in FY22, according to the ministry of commerce and industry.

 

Meanwhile, China’s exports to Bhutan have been increasing over the years. Exports of goods went up to $169.42 million in FY22 from $13.34 FY18.

 

Queries sent to the spokespeople of the Bhutanese embassy in New Delhi and the union department of food and public distribution remained unanswered at press time.

 

Since last year, the Central government has taken several measures to tame food inflation, including curbs on sugar exports and a ban on wheat export in May 2022, prohibition on the export of broken rice in September 2022 and an export ban on non-basmati white rice in July 2023.

In a significant recognition of Uttarakhand’s rich and diverse heritage, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry has bestowed the coveted GI tags upon more than 15 products from the state. These products, ranging from traditional teas to textiles and pulses, not only reflect the cultural tapestry of Uttarakhand but also hold immense economic potential.

 

1. Berinag Tea: Himalayan Elegance in Every Sip

Uttarakhand’s Berinag tea, crafted from the leaves of a plant that thrives in the Himalayan wilderness, has earned a spot on the list. The unique process of compressing the leaves into a solid mass sets this tea apart. Widely sought after by London tea houses and blenders, Berinag tea showcases the region’s expertise in the art of tea-making.

 

2. Bichhu Buti Fabrics: Sustainable Fashion from Himalayan Nettles

The recognition extends to Bichhu buti fabrics, made from Himalayan nettle fibers. These fabrics, known for their natural insulation properties, are ideal for clothing in both winter and summer. The hollow fibers trap air, providing a unique and sustainable solution for the fashion industry.

 

3. Uttarakhand Mandua: A Staple Delight

Uttarakhand’s finger millet, known as Mandua, has been an integral part of the local diet in Garhwal and Kumaon. The acknowledgment with a GI tag underscores its significance as a staple food item, marking its distinctiveness in terms of taste and cultural importance.

 

4. Jhangora: The Himalayan Millet Marvel

Another homegrown millet, Jhangora, found in the rain-fed areas of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, now carries the GI tag. This recognition highlights its unique characteristics and strengthens its identity as a valuable local produce.

 

5. Gahat: Medicinal Pulse of Uttarakhand

Gahat, a crucial pulse thriving in the dry regions of Uttarakhand, has been granted a GI tag. With known medicinal uses documented in Ayurveda and traditional medicine, Gahat is not only a culinary delight but also a testament to the state’s traditional medicinal knowledge.

 

6. Uttarakhand Lal Chawal: Organically Grown Gem

Organically grown in the Purola region, Uttarakhand Lal Chawal, a red rice variant, now proudly carries the GI tag. This recognition further emphasizes the uniqueness of this locally cultivated rice variety.

 

Diverse Range of Recognition

The list of GI-tagged products from Uttarakhand is extensive, covering a spectrum of items such as the Uttarakhand Kala Bhat (black soybean), Malta fruit, Chaulai (Ramdana) grain for fasting days, Buransh juice from Rhododendron arboreum flowers, Pahari Toor Dal, Uttarakhand Likhai or wood carvings, Nainital Mombatti (candles), Kumaon’s Rangwali Pichhoda, Ramnagar Nainital Litchis, Ramgarh Nainital Peaches, Chamoli Wooden Ramman Masks, and Almora Lakhori Mirchis, a distinctive chili variant.

 

Conclusion: A Culmination of Culture and Commerce

The conferment of GI tags on these diverse products not only celebrates Uttarakhand’s cultural wealth but also opens up new avenues for economic growth. These products, now recognized on a global scale, are poised to contribute significantly to the state’s identity and economy, ensuring their legacy for generations to come.

Chief negotiators of India and the UK are expected to soon hold next round of talks for the proposed free trade agreement to iron out differences on issues such as automobiles, medical devices, and movement of professionals, an official said. The official said that the UK team may come here for the 14th round of negotiations so that the talks can be concluded at the earliest.

 

'Virtual sessions are progressing. But we are planning for a full fledged round of talks. In the full round, both sides discuss all the chapters. Some 60-70 sessions happen parallelly,' the official, who did not wish to be named, said.

 

Issues which need resolution include rules of origin; intellectual property rights (IPRs); social security agreement; duty concessions on electric vehicles, scotch whiskey, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items; liberalisation of norms in services sectors like banking and insurance.

 

Talks are also progressing on the proposed bilateral investment treaty (BIT).

 

The investment treaty is being negotiated as a separate agreement between India and the UK.

 

These investment treaties help in promoting and protecting investments in each other's country. The main point of contention involved in this pact is about the mechanism for the settlement of disputes.

 

BITs help in promoting and protecting investments in each other's countries.

 

India has proposed to first utilise all local judicial remedies for settlement of disputes before initiating an international arbitration.

 

India and the UK launched the talks for free-trade agreement (FTA) in January 2022, with an aim to conclude talks by Diwali (October 24, 2022), but the deadline was missed due to political developments in the UK.

 

There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.

 

The Indian industry is demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT, and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duties.

 

On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, automobiles, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items.

 

Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments like telecommunications, legal and financial services (banking and insurance).

 

The bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to USD 20.36 billion in 2022-23 from USD 17.5 billion in 2021-22.

 

The 'rules of origin' provision prescribes minimal processing that should happen in the FTA country so that the final manufactured product may be called originating goods in that country.

 

Under this provision, a country that has inked an FTA with India cannot dump goods from some third country in the Indian market by just putting a label on it. It has to undertake a prescribed value addition in that product to export to India. Rules of origin norms help contain dumping of goods.

 

Food safety regulator FSSAI has launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal in four regional languages, apart from Hindi and English, in order to enhance user experience and accessibility.

 

The portal is now available in Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi, apart from Hindi and English.

 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also plans to launch the portal in Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali and Odia soon, an official statement said.

 

The latest advancement aims to enhance the user experience for local food businesses, allowing them to easily connect with the FSSAI's online compliance portal FoSCoS, launched nationwide in 2020, it added.