Indian food exports to the Gulf region is expected to get a boost with India's high-profile presence at the 'Gulfood 2007', one of the biggest food and hospitality trade shows in the world, to be held from February 19.
Indian food exports to the countries of the region are worth an estimated USD 3 billion a year, with agricultural and processed food exports to the UAE alone accounting for more than USD 273 million.
"Total annual trade between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) currently exceeds USD 15 billion, representing 15 per cent of India's total foreign trade", an Indian embassy official in Bahrain said.
'Gulfood 2007' is expected to witness India's largest ever representation from February 19 to 22 in Dubai.
Bahrain imported BD 7.06 million worth of food products from India in 2005-06. "The other imports were mainly textiles and readymade articles, including confectionery items and meat," said an Indian embassy spokesperson.
"Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf region have always relied on imported food products and India is a major supplier," the official was quoted as saying by the Gulf Daily News on Tuesday.
He said the Middle East was a target market for more than three-quarters of India's main export products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meats including sheep and goat, confectionery and dairy items. "India is an important partner of the Middle East market both in terms of exports and imports," the spokesperson said.
{{/usCountry}}He said the Middle East was a target market for more than three-quarters of India's main export products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meats including sheep and goat, confectionery and dairy items. "India is an important partner of the Middle East market both in terms of exports and imports," the spokesperson said.
{{/usCountry}}