50 Indian companies likely to take part in Shanghai food show

As many as 50 Indian companies are expected to participate in SIAL China, the largest food show in Asia, to be held in Shanghai from May 5-7.

"28 Indian companies have registered till now, we expect this number to go up to 50. The exhibition is expected to boost India's food & beverages exports to China, thereby helping reduce the huge trade deficit between the two countries," Tribhuvan Darbari, Director General of the Chindia Chamber of Commerce said.

India's trade deficit with China touched a whopping $44.87 billion last year and its exports shrank to $13.38 billion as bilateral trade registered a marginal increase, totalling $71.64 billion, missing the $100 billion target set by the leaders of the two nations.

Bjoern Kempe, Exhibition Director, SIAL China, pointed out that China is the world's largest consumer market and its food market is forecasted to exceed $1.73 trillion by 2018.

"Indian participation at SIAL China should diversify into the strength of the agro-processing industry."

"Grocery, Beverages and Confectionery products are some of the areas in which Indian processed foods could excel. As a developing agricultural powerhouse, India is well positioned to supply China for its import needs," Kempe said.

"As India's food and beverage ambitions evolve, events like SIAL China are even more ideally situated to provide opportunities for developing imports and exports in this key industry sector," he added.