India eyeing Africa for export of marine food

Indian marine products are being showcased at the South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) in Johannesburg, South Africa, which began on Sunday.

At this fair, India is being represented by a 50-member delegation from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

It is regarded as Africa's biggest trade fair.

Leela Nair, the chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), was quoted by reports, as saying that India is showcasing its marine exports prowess in South Africa for the first time.

India is the biggest producer of vannamei and a host of other aqua-culture products with their land farming of fish.

The Spices Board of India has four stalls in the Indian section of the fair.

Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak was quoted, as saying there is increasing demand for Indian spices in Africa and other parts of the world.

Opening the Indian stand at SAITEX, India's High Commissioner to South Africa Ruchi Ghanashyam said Indian business houses were participating in large numbers because South Africa has a mutually beneficial trade relationship with India.