APEDA hosted a high-level meeting with Afghan delegation representing the Rice, Wheat, and Sugar industries at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting chaired by Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary, APEDA brought together major stakeholders from India’s agri-export ecosystem to explore new opportunities for bilateral trade. IREF was invited to the dialogue, where Dr. Prem Garg, National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) addressed the gathering. Dr. Garg stressed on the current rice scenario in Afghanistan and showcased India’s strong capacity to meet Afghanistan’s import requirements.
Focus on Strengthening Mutual Co-operation Between the Two Nations
The meeting held by APEDA focused on strengthening mutual cooperation and identifying opportunities to enhance trade in rice, wheat, and sugar between India and Afghanistan. Among the other participants at the meeting were representatives from AIREA, TREA-Kakinada, TREA-Chhattisgarh, and members of the sugar industry. Participants at the meeting exchanged statistics on Afghanistan’s rice demand and India’s production capabilities, with the motive to identify key areas where collaboration could be deepened.
Notably, Afghanistan is importing $ 300 mn worth of sugar from Pakistan, Brazil and India. Afghanistan hopes to increase sugar import from India for which they expressed willingness to extend all facilities. Further, Afghanistan is also willing to expand deal for wheat import, as the delegates in the meeting said that Afghanistan is looking for 7 mn tonnes of wheat for which they want to explore possibilities of importing from India. Further, considering the need of parboiled rice in huge quantities in Afghanistan the delegates want India to fulfil their demand of Sella rice.
Official Invitation to Visit Kabul
Delegates from Afghan shared key concerns, discussed future opportunities, and extended an official invitation to Indian representatives to visit Kabul for ground level assessment and fruitful engagement. Dr. Prem Garg, National President, IREF felicitated the three Afghan delegates by presenting them with traditional dupattas and memento of IREF, marking a gesture of goodwill and to foster bilateral ties. APEDA meeting with Afghan Delegation in the presence of IREF ended on a positive note, signalling new opportunities and possibilities for expanding India- Afghanistan agricultural trade partnerships.
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