Indian spices are set to become the first commercial products to be promoted through the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
This development was announced at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, where leaders launched the trade initiative to enhance connectivity and foster integration with countries in the region.
India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted this prospect during his address at the World Spice Congress 2023 held just outside Mumbai.
Goyal likened the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to the historical Spice Route, emphasizing the importance of “celebrating India’s diverse flavors and culinary versatility in the regions covered by the corridor.”
Addressing the audience, Goyal said, “So, we should be looking up to this new initiative as an appropriate opportunity to celebrate the flavors of India and the versatility of the country in the regions covered by the corridor. Let Indian spices capture world markets.”
He highlighted the role of spices in both Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, adding: “We should now strive to make spices an essential ingredient across the world.”
The minister urged stakeholders to collaborate for the success of the new corridor, and said: “If we all work together as a team, we can spice up the world of commerce and exports. Let us delight the world with the magic of spices and let us preserve this magic for future generations.”
Goyal called upon the 35 million Indian diaspora residing globally, including in the GCC countries, to become brand ambassadors and promote spice consumption internationally.
In its 14th edition, the World Spice Congress 2023 attracted attendees from key importing countries in the Middle East, reinforcing the Indian seasoning’s potential in the evolving India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
The WSC has served as a global platform for discussing the spice industry’s concerns and developments over three decades. Organized by India’s Spices Board, it facilitates discussions on trade, sustainability, quality, food safety, and prospects.
As the corridor takes shape, it is expected to further strengthen trade ties and deepen cultural exchanges among the countries involved.
Source : Arab News
