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India keen on increasing seafood supplies to Belarus
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MINSK, 11 May (BelTA) - India is eager to increase seafood supplies to Belarus, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of Belarus Ashok Kumar told the media following a B2B meeting between a delegation of India's Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Belarusian business community in Minsk on 11 May, BelTA has learned.
“Currently, direct supplies of such products from India to Belarus amount to $2 million. To this figure we must also add 8 million worth of seafood that first goes to Russia. We want to increase the share of direct supplies to $4-5 million within a few years,” Ambassador Ashok Kumar noted.
He noted the overall level of seafood consumption is high in Belarus. India's share remains insignificant. Major exports are frozen fish and shrimp.
“We are considering the possibility of restructuring supplies. Not only exporting fish and shrimp directly, but also crustaceans and mollusks. Direct supplies contribute to the growth of bilateral trade. Belarusian companies also benefit from direct contracts,” the Indian diplomat noted.
Deputy Director General of India's Marine Products Export Development Authority Asok Kumar said that the delegation's visit is aimed at diversifying exports. “Our organization supplies its products to 130 countries. The total volume exceeds $8 billion. We have come to Belarus to find out which products are in demand here. Currently, the main exports are frozen shrimp and surimi. We want to expand the range to include fish fillets and semi-finished products that can be supplied not only to stores but also to processing enterprises and public catering outlets,” Asok Kumar noted.
Deputy Chairwoman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI) Yelena Malinovskaya noted that BelCCI closely cooperates with the embassy and partners in India to organize such meetings across various sectors. Today's meeting is dedicated to seafood supplies. “Our Indian colleagues supply a significant volume of products to Russia, with some also going to Belarus. The potential is far from exhausted. Supplies to our processing enterprises could be many times higher through direct contracts,” Yelena Malinovskaya said.
India's Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), established in 1972 under the Ministry of Commerce, is the key body responsible for regulating and promoting the country’s seafood exports. The organization ensures quality control, engages in R&D, supports the modernization of fisheries and aquaculture, and works to diversify markets.
The B2B meeting between the delegation of India's Marine Products Export Development Authority and Belarusian business community was organized by the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the Embassy of India in Belarus.
Presentations were given by Belarusian and Indian enterprises. The parties discussed current areas of trade and economic cooperation.
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