Colombia eyes at India, for agri exports

Flowers, Coffee, Cocoa are few of the agri assets that Colombia holds. In a closed round table meet on 7 September 2018, delegates from Colombia visited CII, New Delhi looking towards the investment and business opportunities to share with each other. The main objective of the meeting was to firm the existing trade relations and to further accelerate the new engagements.

The country exports 60% of its farm products and minerals. Colombia is rich in  agri primary products, minerals and is strengthening its service sector. It exports majority of its coffee and minerals which is much apparent in the uptrend of its economic growth. Mr Esteban Sanchez, executive director , Procolombia India Middle East says, “ Bogota is progressing by leaps and bounds. Each year the growth rate is augmenting with 2-3%.”

The visiting delegation included Ms. Adriana Cristina Mejia Sanchez, director, Innovation and Regional Development Unit, Manizales, Caldas, Mr. Alejandro Galindo Rincon from Alacalde Municipal and many other agri sector representatives from Colombia. Ms. Adriana representing Caldas said, “Caldas is one of the most competitive regions in Colombia and agri products contributes to  11% of its economy. We are witnessing an exponential growth in the last 15 years. I invite the Indian companies to invest in Caldas and people of Caldas would love to render any kind of help and assistance to the Indians to set up their business at our land.” Mahindra & Mahindra , Cipla are few of the companies which have set up their bases at this Spanish speaking nation.

Looking towards the participation of India on its land, the country hopes to receives technical input and cooperation in the IT division. In the last few decades India has came out to be an IT hub and the same is reflected in the agricultural sector. The two nations are looking forward to cooperate in the technological transfer.

Mr Pranav Kumar, Head International Policy and trade stressed, “ Technological transfer is a two way road and it needs a vehicle and a transmission path to transverse. At CII we hope to come across such mechanisms which can help both the countries to develop.”

Coffee production and its export was the major highlight of the meeting. Other export oriented products which this Latin American country eyes towards are Avocado, flowers, Citric fruits and Sugar beet. Mr. Esteban states, “ Majority of flowers that you see in United States during valentines are from Colombia.”  CII is also hosting “India- Latin America & Caribbean Conclave “ from October 1-2 in Santiago, Chile to bolster the economic cooperation.