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Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur met Mr. Esteban Valenzuela, Chile’s Minister for Agriculture, along with his delegation, for a high-level bilateral meeting held at the Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi today.
The meeting concentrated on key areas of mutual interest and collaboration, including the implementation of MoUs on Agricultural Cooperation, the Horticulture Action Plan, and e-certification of phytosanitary certificates. Discussions also addressed agricultural challenges in both Chile and India and explored opportunities to boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The ministers underscored the importance of sustainable practices and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the agricultural partnership to strengthen cooperation.
Several issues were identified as needing resolution to increase the volume of bilateral agricultural trade. MoS Shri Ramnath Thakur appreciated the shared perspectives between the two nations, noting that high-level visits and engagements have significantly strengthened bilateral cooperation. He further, reaffirmed India’s commitment to addressing sanitary and phytosanitary issues under the existing MoU.
The Chile’s minister expressed gratitude to Minister of State, Shri Thakur, for the warm reception and his proposal to establishing a Task Force to address the market access and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) concerns raised by the Indian side. The Chilean Minister assured for early resolution of market access to Indian Mangoes and Pomegranate and further conveyed Chile’s keen interest in importing Indian bananas and basmati rice. In response, MoS Thakur emphasis on exploring opportunities to expand trade in products such as roses, garlic, kidney beans, and other items, aiming to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade, the Chile’s Minister expressed an interest in broadening the range of agricultural products traded by including walnuts, fruits, and vegetables in the existing list.
The meeting concluded with MoS Thakur expressing a strong desire to continue working closely with the Chilean side to further strengthen bilateral ties and conveyed best wishes for a fruitful and pleasant stay in India.
Meeting was also attended by Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile, Mr. Gabriel Layseca, Head of the Department of International Affairs of ODEPA and Mr. Marcelo Álvarez, Communications Professional, Ministry of Agriculture, Chile.
From Indian side the meeting was attended by Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary(IC), Shri Muktanand Agrawal Joint Secretary (PP) and other senior officers of the Ministry.
