Indian delegation explores trade expansion with Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

A 27-member Indian delegation, comprising exporters of Basmati Rice, processed food, and animal products, visited Bahrain from July 24-25, 2024. Led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the delegation aimed to explore avenues for expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

On July 25, the Embassy of India in Bahrain, in collaboration with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the Bahrain India Society, organized a B2B meeting at the BCCI premises.

Over 100 Bahraini businessmen attended the event, which featured opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Sameer Abdulla Nass, Chairman of BCCI, H.E. Mr. Abdulnabi Alshoala, Founding Chairman of the Bahrain India Society, and H.E. Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain. Ambassador Jacob highlighted that Indian exports to Bahrain for the fiscal year 2023-2024 totaled approximately $900 million, with imports amounting to $829 million.

This resulted in a nearly balanced trade figure of $1.73 billion. The food and agriculture sector remains a significant area of bilateral trade, with India exporting rice worth $67.68 million and frozen boneless meat of bovine animals valued at $22 million last year.

This aligns with India’s broader global export profile, which reached $48.76 billion in agricultural products in 2023-24.

Tasting campaign

As part of the visit, APEDA organized a tasting campaign featuring Biryani made from Indian Basmati Rice at Al Jazira and Lulu hypermarkets.

The delegation also held discussions with the Public Health Directorate for Food Safety and the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture of Bahrain.

Traditionally, India has been a major supplier of rice, meat, sugar, spices, fruits, and vegetables to Bahrain.

Recently, Indian processed food products, organic items, and dairy products have gained popularity in Bahrain due to their high quality and competitive pricing.

To support this growth, the Government of India has established numerous laboratories across the country to provide testing services and ensure quality certification for exports.

The Quality Council of India (QCI) has been authorized to implement the “India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS)” for Halal products, with APEDA designated as the overall monitoring agency.

The visit of this delegation is expected to foster new opportunities for collaboration and growth in trade and investment between India and Bahrain.