Manama : A 27-member Indian delegation representing exporters of Basmati Rice, Processed Food & Animal Products, led by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), visited Bahrain from 24 – 25 July 2024 to explore possibilities of further expanding trade and investment relations between the two countries in this important sector.
The Embassy of India, Bahrain in collaboration with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the Bahrain India Society organised a B2B meeting on 25th July in the premises of BCCI. Over 100 Bahraini businessmen attended the B2B meeting. The inaugural session of the B2B meetings was addressed by H.E. Mr. Sameer Abdulla Nass, Chairman of BCCI, H.E. Mr. Abdulnabi Alshoala, founding Chairman Bahrain India Society, and H.E. Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India.
Ambassador Vinod K. Jacob said that Indian exports to Bahrain in 2023 to 24 was approximately USD 900 million and we imported goods worth USD 829 million, representing a near balanced trade of USD 1.73 billion. Food and agro sector have been prominent areas of bilateral trade. Last year, we exported rice worth USD 67.68 million and frozen boneless meat of bovine animals worth USD 22 million. This is in keeping with India’s global profile as can be seen from our exports worth USD 48.76 billion in 2023-24.
The delegation promoted Indian Products and organized a tasting campaign of Biryani made of Indian Basmati Rice at Al Jazira and Lulu supermarkets. Additionally, the delegation held meetings with the Public Health Directorate for Food Safety and the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture for Halal Meat.
India, traditionally, is a major supplier of rice, meat, sugar, spices, fruits and vegetable to Bahrain. However, in recent times, Indian processed food products, organic and healthy food items & dairy products are also getting popular in Bahrain due to their high quality and reasonable pricing. With India emerging as a prominent source for high-quality food and agricultural products, the government has identified large number of labs nationwide to offer testing services for a variety of products and exporters, ensuring smooth quality certification for exports. Government of India has authorized the Quality Council of India (QCI) for establishing the “India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) – Halal products. APEDA is designated as the overall monitoring agency for this purpose.
The visit of this delegation is expected to open up new avenues for collaboration and growth in the trade and investment relations between India and Bahrain.
