APEDA and Indian Embassy held a Virtual Buyer Seller Meeting with Bhutan

This Virtual BSM with Bhutan is the 15^th in the series of such events organized by APEDA with various countries. Earlier such virtual Virtual-BSM was first held with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed by Kuwait, Indonesia, Switzerland, Belgium, Iran, South Africa, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand and Oman. During the Virtual BSM, presentations were made by Food Corporation of Bhutan Ltd (FCBL), Ministry of Agriculture & Forests, Bhutan and Trade Associations from India (Vegetables& fruits Exporters Association (VAFA),All India Food Processors Association(AIFPA), All India Meat & Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA), The Rice Exporters Association (TREA))on exports of potential agri products to Bhutan. The Virtual BSM was joined by Ms. Ruchira Kamboj, Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA, Mr. UgyenPenjor, Director General, Department of Agriculture & Marketing Cooperatives,Ministry of Agriculture & Forests, Ms.AnnHaokip, First Secretary(Pol & Com) EoI,Thimpu,Mr.Sonam Yonten, Bhutan Agriculture & Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA), Mr. Naiten Wangchuk, CEO, FCBL and Senior Officials of APEDA and Embassy of India, Bhutan.

Due to the ongoing Covid, the export promotion programme was not possible to be held physically. APEDA took a lead to have Virtual BSM to provide a platform to the exporters and importers of India and Bhutan. Ever since the COVID pandemic, there is an increased shift of focus towards Middle East, SAARC, South East Asia and Western trade partners by India for creating new opportunities for alliance in agricultural and processed food sector.