Indian Embassy in Kuwait and Indian Business Network (IBN) in association with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet for Indian Mangoes on 28 April, 2021.
In his keynote address during the meet, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Sibi George paid tribute to all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country has the largest number of varieties of mangoes anywhere in the world. India produced around 21 million metric tonnes of mangoes during the year 2019-20, while around 50000 metric tonnes were exported globally. India is the largest producer of mangoes, producing more than half of the world’s mangoes.
Kuwait is one of the top markets for Indian mangoes. Last year, Kuwait imported 1170 MT of Indian mangoes valuing $2.22 million. Indian Ambassador H.E. Sibi George urged the participants to work towards doubling the volume in 2021-22, ensuring that a box of Indian mangoes reach every home in Kuwait, during the year marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait.
Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA delivered a special address. Bidyut Kumar Baruah, AGM, APEDA gave a presentation on the overview of the market and lauded the diversity of Indian mangoes. Ashok Kalra, Advisor to Indian Business Network (IBN) also spoke during the meet. Representatives of exporters from India and importers from Kuwait shared their experiences on the regulatory framework involved in the export and import of mangoes.
The focus of the meet was to ensure the sourcing of quality mangoes from India, especially quality Alphonso mangoes, which are highly in demand in Kuwait.
The event witnessed an enthusiastic response with over hundred exporters from India especially from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and importers from Kuwait participating virtually.