10/09/2024
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10/09/2024
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Indian envoy hosts exhibition showcasing Indian food products in Kuwait.
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 10: The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Adarsh Swaika, announced that a high-level Kuwaiti delegation will attend the “World Food India” (WFI) conference, organized by India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), from September 19 to 22. This delegation will consist of representatives from various Kuwaiti governmental institutions and a large group of businessmen. Ambassador Swaika made these remarks during the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing products from 30 Indian companies in the food and agricultural sectors, led by Israr Ahmed, Deputy CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO).
Dr. Swaika emphasized that the Indian delegation presented a range of products in the food and beverage sector, underlining the significant role this sector plays in the bilateral trade between India and Kuwait, valued at around $350 million annually. He noted that while traditional Indian exports have focused on rice, legumes, and spices, they will now include new products packaged in eco-friendly materials. The ambassador expressed optimism that the upcoming WFI conference would attract increased interest from Kuwaiti business leaders to explore investment opportunities. He also described the meeting between Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry members and the Indian delegation as a success, reflecting mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
Dr. Swaika further encouraged Indian businesses not only to seek trade opportunities in Kuwait but also to present Kuwaiti investors with investment opportunities in India, particularly in the food processing sector. He suggested that Kuwaiti businesses should consider setting up food production facilities in India to ensure Kuwait’s food security and expand exports to other regions.
Meanwhile, Israr Ahmed highlighted the eagerness of Indian companies to export agricultural and food products to Kuwait, noting that Kuwait is a key trading partner for India. India’s exports to Kuwait amount to $2 billion, while India imports $8 billion in oil exports from Kuwait. Ahmed expressed hope that Indian exports to Kuwait would continue to grow and noted Kuwait’s interest in involving major Indian companies in large-scale projects in Kuwait. He also pointed out that the food processing sector in India offers a prime investment opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs, with potential to process, package, and export products back to Kuwait, contributing to Kuwait’s food security.
During a meeting at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahmed praised Kuwait’s warm reception and emphasized India’s rapid growth in the past 20 years, particularly in infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment. He pointed to India’s electronics sector as a sign of its growing influence, mentioning that the new iPhone 16 will carry a “Made in India” label, showcasing India’s emerging role in global manufacturing. Ahmed concluded by noting that India’s total exports of food and agricultural products to Kuwait reached $344.36 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and he emphasized the vast potential for increasing bilateral trade in this sector.
The Indian food industry, currently valued at $258 billion, aims to become the “food capital of the world” by 2030. The Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry also highlighted that non-oil trade between Kuwait and India exceeded $2 billion in 2022, reflecting the deep bilateral relationship that extends beyond trade. In a collaborative effort, the Indian Embassy, along with FIEO and KCCI, organized a Buyer-Seller Meet on September 9-10, 2024, at the KCCI Exhibition Hall. The event featured 30 leading Indian companies showcasing a wide range of food and agricultural products, including traditional offerings, value-added products, innovations in food processing and sustainable packaging, organic farming, spices, and frozen foods.
The Indian envoy officially inaugurated the events at the Hotel Grand Majestic and the KCCI Exhibition Hall, underscoring the importance of these initiatives for fostering bilateral cooperation. The inaugural event was attended by Emad Al Zaid, Assistant Director General of KCCI, Dr. Reem Alfulaij, Director General of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN), representatives from the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fisheries Resources (PAAAFR), commercial banks, as well as press and electronic media.
