New Opportunities for Australia in the Indian Agri-Food Industry

Opportunities are opening up for Australian companies and researchers to play an important role in the innovative development of the Indian agri-food industry.

The India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in New Delhi on 28 February 2007 endorsed a joint study to identify opportunities for participation by Australian companies in the Indian food processing industry.

Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, said that the endorsement confirms both countries’ commitment to work together to enhance Australia’s growing interest and participation in the Indian food processing sector.

“The project will help Australian companies and research organisations to target areas in the Indian food processing sector which will make best use of their experience, expertise and technology,” Mr Truss said.

“Both Australia and India will reap the benefits of discovering niches for investment and development in Indian agri-food supply chains, as well as identifying the factors that constrain value adding in the agri-food industry.

“It will identify related Australian food industry, R&D and technical expertise, assess the capacity for mutual benefit and test potential opportunities with leaders in the Indian and Australian agri-food industries,” he said.

The work will be conducted under the Australian Government’s National Food Industry Strategy (NFIS). The advice and assistance of Indian government, industry and research organisations with expertise in the food processing sector will also be crucial to the success of the project.

Food processing has been identified as a priority sector in India. In discussions between Minister Truss and his Indian counterpart, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, in January this year, India welcomed and encouraged Australian participation in the Indian food processing industry.

This study will complement the Government’s NFIS Bangalore Project, which is encouraging the development of a demand chain for Australian food and beverage products in retail outlets in Bangalore and surrounding areas.

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555