China Import Expo: 100-strong team to hard sell Indian products in Shanghai

NEW DELHI: A 100 Indian exporters of smart home appliances, auto components, medical equipment and agricultural items will showcase their products at the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai later this year as the country endeavours to narrow its trade deficit with its neighbour.

India, which secured only a country pavilion last year and didn’t get separate space due to delayed bookings, is hopeful of exhibiting its products this time at the import-only fair scheduled from November 5 to 10.

“Last year, we showcased our strength at the country pavilion as we lost the opportunity to exhibit, but this time we will exhibit as well. All procedures are on time,” said an official aware of the details.


“The Chinese authorities now have to approve the amount of space for Indian exhibitors,” said another official.

Although India’s trade deficit was $41.2 billion during April-December, its exports to China rose to $12.6 billion in the period compared with $13.3 billion in all of FY18. In 2017-18, China accounted for 16.4% of India’s imports and 4.4% of its exports.

The main product categories in the expo are sci-tech life, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment & healthcare products, automobile equipment, trade in services, food & agriculture products.

FARM FOCUS
Among agricultural items, India’s star products are bovine meat, non-basmati rice and fresh fruit including grapes, pomegranates and mangoes.

While India has exported 400-500 tonnes of non-basmati rice to China after the two countries signed a protocol to facilitate this in June, the second official said exporters are cautious about sending shipments to Beijing because of uncertainty over its policies.

India will also pitch its bovine meat exports. China had stopped buying bovine meat from India on fears of a foot-and-mouth disease epidemic. Even though India obtained clearance from the World Organisation for Animal Health, China has insisted on inspection by its own officials.

“The fair will not only help us garner a greater share in China’s imports but also showcase our strength to other countries present there,” the second official added.

Last year, China said it expected to import products and services worth more than $10 trillion and the fair provides a “historic opportunity for enterprises across the world to enter the huge Chinese market.”