Roadshow on Global Food Expo organised

MUSCAT: The Indian Embassy in Muscat organised a roadshow on ‘Vibrant Tamil Nadu Global Food Expo and Summit’ on April 16 with a view to promote participation of Omani companies from food, agro-products and related sectors. ‘Vibrant Tamil Nadu Global Food Expo and Summit’ will be held in Madurai, Indian state of Tamil Nadu, from August 12-15. Saif bin Sultan al Shaibani, Director-General for Trade Operations at Public Authority for Food Stores, was the chief guest. Around 60 Omani Officials and representatives of companies from food, agro-products and related sectors attended the roadshow. Presentations were made to highlight the opportunities offered by ‘Vibrant Tamil Nadu Global Food Expo and Summit’ for various stakeholders in agro-food, agri-business and related sectors of Oman to learn more about the latest technological developments and innovations in agriculture, food and beverage sector, food processing, packaging, logistics, cold chain, cold storage and warehousing. The facilities being offered by the organisers for the participants, including exhibition visits, business-to-business meetings, factory visits, networking, sight-seeing etc, were also highlighted. Due to geographical proximity, growing air and sea connectivity and similarities in culinary traditions between India and Oman, India has traditionally been an important source for Oman’s import of food and agro-products. India’s food industry is currently valued at $258 billion. India is ranked number one in world in population of livestock and production of milk and buffalo meat, number two in production of fruits and vegetables, eggs and goat meat. India is the third largest producer of broiler meat. India has the second largest arable land available for agriculture and it produced last year 278 million tonnes of foodgrains, including rice and wheat. Tamil Nadu is a key producer of various food and agro-products in India like rice, maize, pigeon pea, groundnut and millets, vegetables, fruits, spices, plantations and flowers. Indra Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador, highlighted the emphasis placed by the governments of India and Oman to enhance bilateral trade and mutual investments. He drew attention to the excellent air and sea connectivity between the two countries and similarities in their culinary traditions. Stating that India is a leading producer of various foodgrains and agro-products as well as animal products, he informed the two countries are engaged in exploring opportunities for bilateral cooperation to ensure food security of not only Oman but also other GCC countries. Those interested to take part may contact through e-mail: com.oman@mea.gov.in and telephone: 24684559. They may also register on www.vibranttamilnadu.com for further information.