The government has made the EPP draft public to elicit views and suggestions from stakeholders and the public has seen making a strong case for adopting targeted strategies and initiatives for enabling exporters to make a mark on the global stage by tapping into the immense demand for world-class products and services from the state.

 

The draft policy is drawn up by the state’s investment promotion agency Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) on behalf of the Department of Industries and Commerce (DI&C).

 

After obtaining the views and suggestions, the draft policy will be submitted to the government for approval.

 

The EPP proposes a range of supportive measures including a district-oriented approach to tap the outside markets for products from different regions.

 

The focus sectors identified by the draft EPP include spices, horticulture and agriculture products, seafood, processed food products, engineering goods, petrochemical products, organic and inorganic chemicals, textiles and garments, defence and aerospace, electronics and ancillary engineering and technology, ayurveda and pharmaceuticals and healthcare among others.

 

Besides proposing a comprehensive framework to provide financial incentives and institutional backups for exporters, the draft EPP also calls for the efficacy of funding, performance management, and import substitution to bolster the value chain.

 

Pointing out that Kerala was ranked 16th among Indian states in the Export Preparedness Index-2021 of NITI Aayog, the EPP notes that the absence of an enabling state export policy, inadequate district-wise export plans, and excessive reliance on a few commodities and select countries are the reasons for the state to lag in the export segment.

 

It also suggests streamlining procedures and fostering innovation and skill development, strengthening the collaboration among the stakeholders, government, and academia to enhance productivity and create sustainable and inclusive growth.

The government has decided to import potatoes to control surging market prices.

 

'The decision has been taken to increase the supply of the product in the market and to keep the price stable considering the current situation,' the commerce ministry said in a statement on Monday.

 

'Interested importers of the product are requested to submit applications to the ministry.'

 

Good quality potatoes are currently being sold at Tk 60 per kg which is the highest in the country’s recent records. The highest potato price in the past decade was Tk 35 per kg.

 

The government previously approved the import of eggs in September to stabilise the market. The import process has started, but the measure has had little impact on the market.

The Food Authority has issued an order listing the notified laboratories for testing of fortificants in fortified rice, fortified rice kernel and premix for fortified rice kernel.

 

A total of 66 labs were notified across the country in which 42 labs were for testing fortificants including iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin B9 in fortified rice, 17 for testing fortificants in fortified rice kernels, and seven labs were notified for testing fortificants in premix for fortified rice kernels.

 

FSSAI has recently re-operationalised the regulations related to standards of fortified rice kernel proposed under the draft FSS (Food Products and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations.

 

The standards were formed under the national level fortification programme and its implementation wherein the provisions for Fortified Rice Kernel, Vitamin and Mineral Premixes for fortified rice kernel and rice flour were re-operationalised.

 

The draft was notified in May 2022 and the draft standards were made operational through a direction in June ’22 and subsequently re-operationalised  through notification in December ’22, and April ’23.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international organisation set jointly by FAO and WHO in 1963, to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in the food trade. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the National Codex Contact Point for India.

 

This year Codex marks its 60th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, a collection of international food standards to ensure safety and quality in the food trade, FSSAI in association with FICCI organised a seminar on ‘India celebrates 60 years of Codex’ on October 27, 2023, in Delhi.

 

The event witnessed the presence of some of the eminent names which included Sudhansh Pant, secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and chairperson, FSSAI; G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI and Raj Rajasekar, vice chairperson, CAC. During the opening remarks, these esteemed individuals emphasised Codex's pivotal role in fortifying food safety policies on a global scale, fostering trade through the harmonisation of international food standards.

 

Pant congratulated Codex for its exemplary contributions in the last six decades and stressed upon the need for a science-based framework and that active participation from developing nations cannot be overlooked. He urged for a science-based framework and active involvement from developing nations. He stressed the necessity of adapting to new challenges and technologies, saying, 'Collaboration and ongoing participation in Codex activities are essential to ensure food safety remains at the forefront. Indian Government is fully cognisant of the need to bring food regulations in line with modern times, and a new Food Safety Bill (amendment to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006), is almost ready. Efforts are underway to table it in the upcoming Parliament session.'

 

Rao addressed the pressing issues surrounding changing food habits and the emerging challenges associated with cutting-edge food innovations. He underscored the importance of establishing real standards and ensuring the delivery of safe food to the public, stating that it is imperative for the scientific community. He further emphasised the importance of CAC in assuring the same.

 

In alignment with the commitment to global food safety, Rajasekar highlighted the remarkable expansion of Codex, from its origins as a small group of developed countries to a robust organisation with 188 member countries and one-member organisation. He emphasised that food safety is integrated into every organisation and government, emphasising its paramount significance.

India’s trade outreach is fast becoming the centrepiece of its deepening relationship with the Middle East. In particular, India’s relations with Saudi Arabia have seen an unprecedented growth in recent years, with a sharp rise in trade and investments. Saudi Arabia’s abundance of natural resources, economic and cultural influence, its critical location in the Middle East and connectivity complement India’s capability to provide cost-effective technologies, human resources, capital and marketing opportunities. India’s growing economy, digital public infrastructure and institutional stability have made it a preferred trade and investment destination. 

 

Saudi Arabia is pursuing an economic diversification strategy beyond hydrocarbons to newer domains exploring innovative investment tools and new collaborations from across the world. India was the fourth country after the UK, France and China to partner with the Saudis to establish a strategic partnership council in 2019. It is aimed at taking forward collaborations on economy and investments, apart from social, political and security issues.

 

Saudi Arabia contributes to India’s energy security and India supports Saudi Arabia’s food security. India imports 86 percent of its oil requirement and the Middle East accounts for over 60 percent of it. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia imports large parts of its food needs and manufactured goods including textiles. Therefore, the bilateral relationship is highly symbiotic. 

 

The Future Investment Initiative (FII), established in October 2019, has grown as a global platform for businesses and countries to identify areas to innovate in for sustainable and inclusive growth. The seventh edition of the FII, held during October 24-25 in Riyadh, had the theme ‘the New Compass’. It looked at the emerging world economic order, provided a platform for dialogue between international businesses and leaders, and for trade and investment promotion. 

 

Among the leaders, Piyush Goyal — Union minister holding the commerce, industry, textile, food and consumer affairs portfolios — was instrumental in forging trade and investment linkages between the two countries. Saudi Arabia is interested in Indian collaborations on lab-grown diamonds. Earlier this week, Saudi jewellery firm Dana Al-Alami partnered with Indian firm Green Lab Diamonds. Earlier this month, India and Saudi Arabia committed to exchanging electricity during peak hours, co-producing green hydrogen and renewable energy, and jointly establishing sustainable and resilient supply chains.

 

The emerging multi-polar world faces a number of worries — the Israel-Palestine conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, US-China tensions, post-pandemic economic woes, and impending fears of a worldwide recession. In this scenario, an effective bilateral institutional mechanism for trade and investment between India and Saudi Arabia would be mutually synergistic and provide a much-needed economic boost to both. 

 

India’s credibility as a trade and investment destination received a major boost from a series of events hosted by India during its G20 presidency. Saudi Arabia is critical to establishing the ambitious new trade route — the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor — that was part of the G20 summit declaration. In recent years, structural reforms in Saudi Arabia on foreign investment, corporate governance and capital markets have increased Indian opportunities. India provides immense cost-effective opportunities for Saudi businesses in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, education, health and sustainability.

 

India’s trade with the Arab world has touched an all-time high of $240 billion. India is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching all time high of $52.75 billion in 2022-23. India’s major exports to Saudi Arabia are motor vehicles, petroleum products, rice, organic chemicals, copper products, telecom equipment, buffalo meat and aluminium products; it imports crude petroleum, fertilisers, raw plastic, and organic and inorganic chemicals. 

 

Despite the Gulf region being home to the largest Indian community abroad, its enormous economic potential remains underexplored. The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain — host over 8.8 million non-resident Indians, constituting over 66 percent of all NRIs. According to the Reserve Bank, the GCC accounted for about 30 percent of all foreign inward remittances in 2020-21. The large Indian diaspora in the Gulf, present at every level from the grassroots to top management, is keen to engage with Indian firms. This is an asset waiting to be tapped to its fullest potential.

 

Riyadh eyeing diversification beyond hydrocarbons

Saudi Arabia is pursuing an economic diversification strategy beyond hydrocarbons to newer domains exploring innovative investment tools and new collaborations from across the world. India was the fourth country after the UK, France and China to partner with the Saudis to establish a strategic partnership council in 2019.

Government of India’s decision to impose Minimum Export Price of USD 800/ton on Onion with effect from 29th October 2023 till 31st December 2023 to discourage exports and maintain availability in domestic markets has shown an immediate impact of price correction in Maharashtra markets, where prices recorded a decline of 5% to 9% from the highest price registered during last week. The weighted average price of Onion in Maharashtra across all the markets has declined by 4.5% and similar decline was observed in consumption centers as well.

 

The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring Onion exports and prices on daily basis to ensure stable domestic prices and availability to consumers. In view of increasing demand in the month of November, Department has started releasing Onion Buffer stock into the market both through mandi sale and discounted sale to retail consumers at centers of high prices. This includes retail sale through 685 Mobile retail outlets covering over 170 cities. NAFED and NCCF have also started procuring additional 2 LMT onion of kharif harvest to be distributed in high price centers to keep the onion prices under control and consumers interest is protected.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that customs authorities across the globe should share 'actionable' information among themselves to curb the network of illicit trade which is hurting the global economy.

 

She added that there is a need for intergovernmental cooperation to crack the masterminds behind smuggling networks else authorities will be able to catch small fishes only.

 

'I place a lot of emphasis on intergovernmental coop, along with WCO (World Customs Organisation), so that we are able to crack the brains behind it (smuggling), the masterminds behind it, with the help from local authorities and governments,' Sitharaman said in her address at Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters.

 

The conference organised by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, aims at creating an information network and share information to block the international chain of illicit trade.

 

She added that exchange of information and global cooperation was one of the issues discussed during India’s G20 presidency and she proposed that global enforcement agencies must meet once in a year to discuss among themselves the measures to handle it.

 

'Networked groups think that small fries can be sacrificed, police or customs authorities can catch hold of this small fish, the larger fish, which is the brain behind, is never going to be caught,' Sitharaman added.

 

Sitharaman also said that the nature of smuggled or illegally traded goods has not changed over the last 50-60 years and it continues to be precious metals, narcotics, precious reserves from forest or marine life.

 

'So largely the goods which are illegally traded remain the same. There are no newer areas on which the customs authorities are baffled. If this is the way it is showing a trend over the decade, by now most of us should be fairly informed of who are the forces behind it.

 

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia's National Trade Promotion Agency is spearheading Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Mumbai, India from 30 Oct to 1 Nov 2023. The objective of the programme is to provide a networking platform as well as to build a business partnership between Malaysian and Indian business community.

 

The Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) is initiated by MATRADE in order to link Malaysian companies with foreign partners as well as encourage them to explore trade opportunities aboard. MATRADE will also organize the Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Chennai from 1 – 3 Nov 2023.

 

A total of nineteen (19) Malaysian companies under MATRADE from sectors such as food & beverage, IT business solutions, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, services will be participating in the mission which aims to boost exports of Malaysian products and services in Maharashtra State and India generally.

 

During the mission, MATRADE through its Mumbai office will be coordinating business meetings with leading importers and buyers. Complementing this, programmes that have been arranged for the Malaysian companies include briefing on export opportunities in India by MATRADE Trade Consul in Mumbai and sharing experience on doing business in India from relevant association. Among programmes planned during the mission includes business meetings, visit and networking session. MATRADE encourages Indian businesses to meet with Malaysian companies to explore potential business opportunities.

 

According to Mr. Norman Dzulkarnain Nasri, Trade Consul (MATRADE), Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai, the trade relation between Malaysia and India always in good relations and has been a strong partner in India's growth story over the last few years. India is the 11th largest trading partner for Malaysia. In 2023 (Jan-Sept), the total trade between Malaysia and India amounted USD12.51 billion with the top trading products were Palm Oil & Palm Oil Based Agriculture Products, Electrical & electronic product, Chemicals & chemical product, Manufactures of Metal and Crude Petroleum.

 

The Trade Consul of MATRADE said that the country has always been a very important market and Malaysia's biggest trading partner in South Asia. In 2022, with two free trade agreements already implemented, ie. MICECA and AIFTA, Malaysia – India trade relations has grown rapidly from US$ 15.57 billion in 2018 to US$ 19.61 billion in 2022. Both countries are benefiting from the free trade agreement.

 

He also added that Malaysia and India can complement each other in terms of its trade engagements especially on trade agreements. Potential products that Malaysian company can explore in India are Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Halal,

 

Processed Food, Healthy Products, Ready-to-eat Food, Medical Products, Medical related products, Pharmaceutical, Lifestyle Products, many others.

 

The Trade Section (MATRADE), Consulate General of Malaysia encourages Indian and Malaysian companies to leverage at their office in Mumbai. MATRADE also has another office in Chennai covers Southern and Eastern India.

 

Indian business community kindly contact MATRADE Mumbai at mumbai@matrade.gov.my to get more info about the programme or any other enquiries pertaining to Malaysian products and services.

 

Issued by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

 

Follows us on Twitter@MATRADE, Instagram – matrade_hq and Facebook – MATRADE HQ

 

About Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

 

MATRADE's mission to promote Malaysian export has enabled many local companies to carve new frontiers in global markets. Today as we continue to put the spotlight on capable Malaysian companies on the international stage, we are helping make the phrase 'Made-In-Malaysia' synonymous with excellence, reliability, and trustworthiness. MATRADE has 46 overseas network that supports its HQ, located at Menara MATRADE, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its functions are:

 

• To promote, assist and develop Malaysia's external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services;

 

• To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia's export;

 

• To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia's trade;

 

• To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters;

 

• To enhance and protect Malaysia's international trade investment abroad; and

 

• To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade.

India has called for starting formal negotiations by WTO members to reform the dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organisation, as the present informal deliberations are creating hindrance for several nations to participate in the talks, an official said. The official added that formal talks on the subject can help in arriving at some kind of consensus by the 13th ministerial conference (MC), the highest decision making body of the WTO, in Abu Dhabi in February next year.

 

The issue came up for discussion during a recent meeting of senior officials of WTO members in Geneva last week. Certain countries flagged their concerns on the informal system of talks.

 

'We have to formalise this process as soon as possible. India stated that if you want to maintain the WTO's credibility, we need to talk on this,' the official said.

 

WTO's dispute settlement body (DSB) is one of the important arms of the 164-member Geneva-based body. Besides monitoring global exports and imports related rules, it adjudicates trade disputes between the member countries.

 

'The US has started engaging in DSB reforms, but in an informal setting. In this setting, not all members get the opportunity to talk. There are no interpretation facilities in those informal meetings,' the official said.

 

Many WTO member countries have one or two delegates only in Geneva. So, they get busy in different meetings like general council and because of that, they are not able to participate in the deliberations on DSB reforms.

 

'So, there are some concerns. It was flagged in the break-away sessions' meeting in Geneva recently. The sense was that as soon as possible, the negotiations should happen in a formal setting. The whole discussion should come under the Committee on DSB. At present, it is happening in an informal fashion,' the official added.

 

'The talks should be formalised so that all members can participate in that discussion and contribute their views. India wants the talks to happen in a formal way,' the official, who did not wish to be named, said.

 

Normally in the WTO, talks through a formal process involves submissions of papers on the subject for discussions among all the members.

 

The official, however, exuded confidence that the way the US is engaging on the subject, it looks like they will do something like coming up with some formal text for discussion on the issue.

 

'The developed countries are talking about peripheral reforms, but our main ask is that there should be a two-tier system,' the official said.

 

Trade experts too said that all the members would have to work together on this.

 

Hi-Tech Gears Chairman Deep Kapuria said that the US' leadership is crucial for breaking the deadlock in WTO, which is facing multiple challenges.

 

'But the question is, how far is the US willing to translate this positive intent into some meaningful action, where it can work towards building consensus on WTO reform agenda and more importantly on reigniting the functioning of DSB. The US has been repeatedly blocking any proposed decision to commence the appointment of Appellate Body members,' Kapuria said.

 

There are two main ways to settle a dispute once a complaint has been filed in the WTO - the countries find a mutually agreed solution, particularly during the phase of bilateral consultations; and through adjudication which includes ruling by a panel and if not satisfied, challenging that ruling at the appellate body.

 

The appellate body is the apex institution to adjudicate disputes.

 

Smooth functioning of the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism hit a roadblock, when the US blocked appointments of members in the appellate body (AB). Though the AB stopped functioning from December 10, 2019, the panels are still working.

 

Since December 2019, over 20 appeals have been filed in the AB.

 

According to experts, the US wants to weaken the two-tier system of the dispute settlement mechanism and they do not intend to restore the appellate body.

 

The US had earlier stated that over time, the despite settlement has become synonymous with litigation, which is prolonged, expensive and contentious.

 

Developing countries, on the other hand, are of the strong view that a two-tier system is fundamental for the smooth functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism.

 

Citing the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai's suggestions, Kapuria said that the US has three specific ideas to reform DSB and that include finding appropriate alternatives to litigation.

 

The alternatives include conciliation, and mediation; the panels be restricted to address only those matters which are necessary to resolve the dispute and resist the urge to pontificate; and no judicial overreach so that members could exercise their power to regulate domestic policies.

 

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Sushri Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the International Workshop on Food Loss and Waste Prevention in South Asian Region today at New Delhi. The International Workshop on Food Loss and Waste Prevention in South Asian Region was organized jointly by The Indian Council of Agriculture Research and the Thünen Institute, Germany. Deputy Director General (NRM) - ICAR, Dr. SK Chaudhari, Research Director, Thünen Institute, Germany, Dr. Stefan Lange, Deputy Director General (Ag. Engg.) – ICAR, Dr. SN Jha and around 120 delegates from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Germany, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka were present on the occasion.

 

In her address, MoS Sushri Shobha Karandlaje appreciated the efforts made by ICAR and Thünen Institute, Germany to address an important social and economic issue concerning both to the farmers and the consumers. She stated that approximately 3 billion tonnes of food go waste across the globe. She outlined the scale of problem of food loss and waste. She opined that the proven technologies and practices of developed as well as developing countries should be brought forward so that the losses and wastage across the globe could be reduced using methods acceptable to the society. She also emphasised that the social organizations need to play a vital role in spreading awareness among various stakeholders and also should practice the methods to minimise food waste. She also pointed out that loss of food is not only a direct loss to the consumers but also has bearings on environment and supporting economies.

 

Sushri Shobha Karandlaje said that south Asia a major producer as well as consumer of food and it is our moral responsibility as well as economic necessity to reduce the food loss and waste. She called to identify the primary reasons of food loss and waste; education and awareness among all the stakeholders; efficient harvest and storage; smart distribution; industry involvement; donation and food banks; innovation in food packaging; and consumer responsibility, etc. She emphasized that wasting food is a crime and exhorted all to teach our children the importance of not wasting food. She was hopeful that the three-days workshop would help us plan and act together to arrive at some meaningful policy.

 

Dr. Stefan Lange mentioned that mitigating and preventing food loss and food waste is the biggest and most effective lever to ensure that food reaches to the needy. He further informed that a 'Collaboration Initiative on Food Losses & Food Wastes' has been functioning to promote the global exchange of research results and practical experience in fighting food losses and waste. Government of India can play a vital role in influencing all neighbouring countries in initiating individual as well as collaborative efforts to curb food loss and waste.

 

Ms. Clementine O’Connor of United Nations Environment Programme, France appraised about food losses and waste metrics and its effect on sustainability of agriculture and environment. She pointed out that pandemic, climate change and wars also have serious bearing on food loss and waste. She emphasised for policy development to ensure learning and sharing of the best practices across the globe and to create awareness among consumers. She reminded that only a few years are left to achieve the sustainable development of goal 12.3 to reduce the food losses to half by 2030.

 

Dr. K Narsaiah, ADG (PE), ICAR made an introductory presentation on historical perspective of food losses and gave examples of indigenous methods for preventing food loss and waste practiced by various societies across the globe. All the delegates took a pledge during this session to prevent food loss and waste in families, offices, industries, society and communities.

 

DDG (NRM), Dr SK Chaudhari and Deputy Director General (Ag. Engg.) from ICAR, Dr. SN Jha welcomed all the guests and delegates and informed the house that Post-harvest losses and Food Waste varies among geographies in the world. It largely depends on the crops and commodities, duration of storage, climate, technological interventions, human behavior, traditions etc. During the G20-MACS held in Varanasi, April 2023; a bilateral meeting was held between India and Germany in which both the countries decided to organize a regional workshop to address the challenges of Food Loss and Waste understanding that despite the abundant agricultural production, a substantial amount of food is lost or wasted throughout the food supply chain, from production to consumption, and impacts food security and availability, environment, economy and the society; this hold higher significance for South Asian Region, which is a major food producer as well as consumer of food. He shared that around 74 million tonnes of food is lost in India every year, which, if saved, can make many people richer.