November 28, 2018
The protocol signing formalises the consensus reached by both sides on hygiene and inspection requirements of fish meal and fish oil to be exported
Bilateral trade between the countries was recorded at nearly US$90 billion during 2017-18, reporting a jump of 25 per cent from the previous year
While China has continued as India’s largest foreign trade partner, the transactions so far have been import-heavy for India with efforts to balance that
The nations recently agreed to expand Indian rice export to China beyond the premium Basmati variety with suggestion for other agriculture products
Governments of India and China on November 28 signed an agreement to facilitate export of fish meal and fish oil from India to China. The protocol signing formalises the consensus reached by both sides on hygiene and inspection requirements of fish meal and fish oil to be exported. The agreement comes as part of bilateral efforts to resolve market access issues expeditiously to achieve a more balanced trade. Bilateral trade between the countries was recorded at nearly US$90 billion during 2017-18, reporting a jump of 25 per cent from the previous year. While China has continued as India’s largest foreign trade partner, the transactions so far have been import-heavy for India.
Herein, on the back of improved diplomatic interactions since 2014, China has been opening up different sectors to Indian companies. The nations have signed crucial bilateral agreements, including the ones related to expansion of Indian rice export to China beyond the premium Basmati variety as well as China agreeing to share hydrological information on the Brahmaputra river with India. China has also decided to conduct training on local regulatory compliances for Indian pharmaceutical companies that are aiming to raise export to local market. China is also looking at allowing export of milk and milk products, agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables and tobacco from India.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has suggested that India and China should target annual bilateral trade of US$100 billion by 2020. The latest agreement will work towards this, China imports fish oil to the tune of US$143.3 million, and fish meal to the tune of US$263.4 million. In the last six months, this is the second product to get clearance from China. Stronger trade ties have led to increased Chinese investment inflow into India. Recently, the Indian Embassy in China in partnership with the Startup India Association and the Venture Gurukool fund had organized the 2nd Startup India Investment Seminar to introduce Indian innovators and entrepreneurs to Chinese investors with marked success.