An interactive discussion on Czech-India business relations was held at the Indian Merchant Chambers (IMC), Mumbai, recently. As part of the event, a delegation of members from 14 companies showcased products and technologies that they were associated with in the food processing and agriculture industries.
Representing his country, Radek Braum, deputy minister of agriculture and forest management, Czech Republic, addressed the session. He talked about the growing food processing industry of Czech Republic and how the collaboration between the two countries would help each other in the growth of this particular industry.
Braum said, “Czech food & beverage industry is growing at a rapid pace. We are the producer of Czech beer, cheese and meat. Since the food sector is 9 per cent, the biggest business opportunity lies in the food industry in Czech Republic.”
“We are a clean and hygienic country and give attention to health and safety, use high-end technology and provide education about importance of quality over quantity at all levels. We are the first in the world in beer consumption. The consumption of beer in Czech Republic is 161 litre per person per year, which is giving boost to the Czech economy. Our condition is favourable for growing malted barley. Our organic food is free from preservatives and chemical fertilisers. Czech is a fantastic place to venture into business and its world class place for opportunity in the field of food processing industry,” added Braum.
Braum elaborated, “We are very much excited about collaborating with India. In fact we are planning to bring our prime minister to Mumbai. We are also going to focus more in future on food processing and agriculture. Czech Cuisine, which is going to be held on October 14 at Oberoi Hotel as a charity event, will be a good event to popularise our cuisines as well as chefs in India.”
He further stated, “We met four big retail chains in India and have had positive talks with them. Agro business between Czech Republic and India is growing year by year. In future, we will focus on dairy products, confectionery, beer, and offer our technology in food processing to India.”
Earlier, presiding over the discussion, G Chandrashekhar, senior journalist, said, “We are delighted for having the delegates from Czech Republic. India can be a great partner for the food processing industry. Opportunities lie in the Indian market because of the mega trends and macroeconomic indicators. We are the world's fastest growing economy. Our GDP growth is improving day by day. We are doing extremely well in the field of food processing.”
He added, “We are the largest producer of milk in the world and second largest in wheat, rice and other products. Our climate is favourable for all the products because we have 270 days of sunshine, 8,000 km of coastline and abundant availability of raw materials. The mega trends in India include burgeoning middle-class, nuclear families, rapid urbanisation, evolving food habits, adverts of organised retail, rising aspirations and evolving lifestyles and this will propel India growth in coming years.”
He explained, “The trends which we are following in the food processing sector are expanding product range, improved packaging and major processed food. India is also the fastest growing wine market in the world. Production, processing and consumption is growing and thus it has a huge market opportunity for trade and investment.”
“There is scope for producers, marketers, machinery suppliers, technologists, entrepreneurs, service providers etc. There is great opportunity for them because 100 per cent FDI is allowed in the food processing industry,” stated Chandrashekhar.
