Govt Hosts Virtual Networking Meet for GI Products with Qatar

Centre, in its efforts to promote the export of agricultural products indigenous to India, organized a Virtual Networking Meet for Agri and Food GI products in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Doha and IBPC Qatar.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, more than 80 participants took part, including exporters, importers, IBPC representatives, Indian Embassy officials, and the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA). During the event, Indian Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal addressed the participants on the opportunities for expanding India-Qatar bilateral trade. He stated that such trade shows will allow for B2B interaction in order to boost exports.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, M Angamuthu, Chairman of APEDA, emphasized the Centre's focus on promoting GI, organic, and natural products. Geographical Indication (GI) attributes add value to exported products.

These products are obtained directly from farmers and play an important role in connecting farmers with the export market. India can provide a diverse range of products, and our exporters are eager to do so to Qatar.

 According to the statement, the Meet provided a platform for interaction between India's exporters and Qatar's importers on India's strength in exporting agri and food products of Indian origin and distinct attributes. During the interaction, the exporters shared information about potential GI products for export, such as Basmati rice, mango, pomegranates, NER products, and a variety of processed products. These events are expected to boost importers' confidence in Indian products, facilitating exports.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has made significant contributions to the promotion of agricultural and processed food product exports, accounting for approximately 50% (USD 24.77 billion) of total agri exports in 2021-22.  

Apart from being the leading producer of several agricultural commodities such as rice, fruits and vegetables, and tea. India also has the distinct advantage of having several agricultural products with registered geographical indications.

There are currently over 400 registered Geographical Indications in India, with approximately 150 of them being agricultural and food products GI. More than 100 registered GI products are classified as APEDA scheduled products (fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, animal products and cereals). APEDA has also taken steps to promote new, innovative, and GI products and to expand exports to new markets.