KOCHI:
Agus P. Saptono, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai said “ 36 Trade Expo of Indonesia organized Physically and at virtual platform from 21 October to 20 December would provide excellent opportunity for Spice importers in India to collaborate with Indonesian sellers and also for spice exporters from India to connect with major Food Products manufactures and Restaurant outlets in Indonesia. Agus was addressing the FICCI business delegation mainly spices exporters & traders at Kochi during his recently concluded two day visit to Kochi.
He also added that India is also a key importer of spices from Indonesia. India majorly imports raw materials of Clove, Pepper, Cassia, Ginger, Turmeric, Cardamom, Other spices and Spice Oil etc. and value add them and exports to other countries. Indonesia is an important market for Indian spice buyers. India and Indonesia have shared two millennia of close cultural and commercial contacts. Indonesia has emerged as the second largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN region. India and Indonesia has set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years.
Deepak L Aswani, Co-Chair, FICCI Kerala State Council said “Kerala the Spice capital of India has over 100 established organizations producing spices and exporting them to various destinations. More and more companies are engaged in venturing into importing spices raw materials and value adds them in spice blends processed food and exported or used in domestic market”.
Meeting discussed the various issues connected with spices export and import between India and Indonesia and suggested various steps to enhance the business and co-operation between both the sides. Agus P. Saptono, has agreed to take up the pending issues with Indonesian Ministry of Commerce and FICCI would also represent the same with Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India so as to take up the issues at the next round of bilateral discussions of both the countries.
Indonesian delegation included Kumara Jati, Director, Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), Chennai, Tolhah Ubaidi, Consul (Economics), Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai, Pangky B.P. Saputra, Consul (Economics), Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai and other Sr. officials from Consul Office Mumbai, ITPC office Chennai. FICCI business delegation was led by Deepak L Aswani, Co-Chair, FICCI Kerala State Council, and included Savio Mathew, Head – FICCI Kerala State Council, Sandeep Pandela, Commercial Head, Olam Agro India Private Limited, Prakash Namboodiri, General Manager, AB Mauri India Pvt. Ltd., Suraj, QA- Head, VKL Seasoning, Abraham Kuruvilla, Managing Director, Kalpaka Processing Company, Shafieque Ahamed, Proprietor, Travancore Solvents & Oils.
