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India, Italy sign Two MoU’s in Agriculture, Food Processing
New Delhi, January 17, 2008
A meeting was held today between the Indian delegation led
by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and the Italian
delegation led by Agriculture Minister of Italy, Paolo de
Castro. Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of State (Independent
Charge), Ministry of Food Processing Industries also
participated along with senior officers.
Discussions were held on wide ranging issues to enhance
cooperation between the two countries in the fields of
agriculture and allied activities including food processing,
agricultural research, phytosanitary issues relating to trade
and engagement of private sector of both countries in the
areas of mutual interest. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)
were also signed between Ministry of Agriculture, India and
Italian Ministry of Agriculture, food and forestry policies
and between Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Italian
Ministry of Agriculture, food and forestry policies.
The MoUs will provide institutional arrangements for enhancing
bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields
of agriculture and allied sector and food processing. Details
of MoU’s are as follows:
Agriculture Sector
The MoU provides for cooperation between the two countries
through joint activities and exchange of experts in relevant
fields. The Mou is overarching and will cover agriculture and
allied activities including food processing, agricultural
research, phytosanitary issues relating to trade (in plant and
animal products), engagement of private sector of both
countries and exchange of information in the areas of mutual
interest agreed upon by the Parties. The MoU also provides for
establishing in Joint Working Group comprising members from
each side, to realize cooperation envisaged and will monitor
the activities carried out in fulfillment of this MoU. The
Working Group shall hold its meeting periodically in India or
Italy to draw annual Work Plans.
Food Processing Sector
The MoU on ‘Cooperation in Agro Food Sector’ was signed by
Subodh Kant Sahai (Independent Charge) Food Processing
Industries, MoS the Italian Agriculture Minister.
The Memorandum aims at establishing a knowledge based
partnership between the two countries and creating an enabling
environment for a long-term partnership between the industries
of the two countries. The Memorandum proposes to facilitate
creation of a “Joint Foundation” for exchange of know-how and
technology between Indian and Italian Agro Food enterprises
for the promotion of the agro-food sector. It also aims at
creation of business joint ventures, support to research and
development activities, setting up of agro-food parks etc. in
India. As per Memorandum, an agro-food park will be set up in
India within a period of 18 months.
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