|
India participated in a four-day food fair in Paris, France. The Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, opened the fair on October 16 which concluded yesterday. The French Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, Mr.Herve Gaymard, was conducted round the fair by Shri Sahai. They agreed to continue mutual cooperation in the food processing sector. Mr Gaymard was impressed with the range of items on display at the fair and expressed confidence about greater economic and commercial relations between his country and India.
India is the third largest food producer in the world. Hence it is increasingly focussing on investments in the food processing sector. It exports not only primary produce but processed foods as well. The Government has recently allowed a tax holiday for processing fruits and vegetables for five years and a reduced rate thereafter. Tax incidence on dairy machinery, meat products and other processed foods have also been reduced.
Fifty Indian companies participated in the fair. The range on display extended from basmati rice, beans, wines, ready-to-cook meals, curries, snacks, spices, meats and fish products.
|
