India interested in Ukrainian imports of beans, dairy products

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 - 16:37 (EEST) Section: Latest news

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Ukraine Manoj Kumar Bharti and his wife Anamika Bharti have made an official visit to Vinnytsia region to discuss cooperation prospects, including imports of beans and dairy food.
It is reported that the Ambassador met with Vinnytsia region`s governor Valeriy Koroviy.
While introducing the region, Koroviy emphasized Vinnytsia`s leading position in the country in terms of agricultural sector development. At this, he informed the guests that since September 2015 India has become number one destination for Ukrainian exporters from Vinnytsia region, with the first place having been traditionally taken previously by Russia, according to the city state administration`s information and public relations department.
The Indian Ambassador, in turn, noted that this year the two states will mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Ukraine, and that during this period the two countries have signed a number of efficient cooperation agreements covering all areas of bilateral interaction.
”In 2012-2014, India was among the top three partners of Ukraine, with the trade turnover between the countries amounting to $3.3 billion. In 2014-2015, trade declined to $1.8 billion in view of a very difficult situation in Ukraine. $1.4 billion of the amount was Ukraine`s export to India,” the Ambassador said pointing to a huge potential for India`s investment in the Ukrainian economy, even during these difficult economic times for the country.
With regard to cooperation prospects in the agricultural sector, the Ambassador stressed that India was interested in imports of leguminous crops from Ukraine.
The estimated 1.5 million people in India consume different types of beans twice a day, according to the Ambassador.
He urged Ukrainian producers to export those types of products to India that it consumes. At the same time, he suggested that Ukraine should also consider the possibility of importing dairy products, particularly cheese and sour cream, to India.
The two sides also discussed cooperation prospects in the education sector, especially in terms of popularizing Vinnytsia National Medical University among Indian students. The Indian Ambassador also encouraged Ukrainian scientists to apply for scholarships that are provided by the Indian government in 66 different industries.