39 Indian firms to participate in Saudi Agro Food exhibition

DUBAI: Thirty-nine Indian firms will participate at an agro-food exhibition in Saudi Arabia, which will have a dedicated India Pavilion to showcase its products, from basmati rice to coffee and spices, among others.

The four-day Saudi Agro Food 2013 exhibition will start from September 15 in the Arab state's capital city Riyadh.

The India Pavilion will showcase the country's products, from basmati rice, frozen meat, coffee, spices to mango pulp and fruits, among others, and would be spread over in an area of approximately 400 sq mtrs.

Senior officials from India Trade Promotion Organisation, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Commerce and Industry would also be available to explain the unique characteristics of Indian food and will hold extended discussions on matters related to investments in agro-food sector in India, among others.

Saudi Arabia is India's fourth largest trading partner with a bilateral trade crossing $43 billion in 2012-13.

India's huge agro resource base and a host of natural advantages make it a chosen destination for sourcing a variety of agricultural products, a statement from Indian embassy in Riyadh said.

The total Indian agri exports were $ 22,138 million during 2012-13, out of which, Saudi Arabia accounted for $1,203 million during this period.

Major products being exported to Saudi Arabia are rice, buffalo, sheep and goat meat, fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables, confectionery and other processed foods, among others.