The Ministry of Food Processing Industries organized a significant roundtable discussion with the Heads of Foreign Missions in India, aiming to encourage overseas participation in the highly anticipated World Food India (WFI) 2023. The event took place at the prestigious Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi.
The second edition of the esteemed 'World Food India 2023' is scheduled to be held from November 3 to 5, 2023, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. This international platform seeks to showcase India's thriving food processing sector while also fostering collaborations and attracting investments from global stakeholders. The event is being organized in conjunction with the International Year of Millets 2023 activities and will focus on promoting millets (Shree Anna), organic produce, and indigenous processed food.
The roundtable discussion was co-chaired by Anita Praveen, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and Shri Prabhat Kumar, Special Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. The event saw the attendance of Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Charge d'Affaires, and senior representatives from a diverse range of countries.
In total, 47 countries were represented during the interactive session. The discussion involved senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Department of Commerce, APEDA, MPEDA, and other Commodity Boards. Additionally, representatives from organizing bodies such as FICCI, Invest India, and EY were also present to participate in the deliberations.
During the roundtable, Secretary Praveen and Special Secretary Kumar briefed the representatives on various aspects of the World Food India 2023 event. They highlighted India's unique contribution to global food security, emphasizing its vast resource base and substantial consumer market, which makes it an attractive proposition for overseas stakeholders. The discussion also shed light on the different sub-sectors of food processing, including machinery, technological innovations, sustainability, and more.
The participating representatives were informed about the extensive preparations made for the event and the abundant opportunities available for participating countries and business entities. The embassy representatives expressed their appreciation for the event's significance in the current global food scenario and pledged their active participation from their respective countries. They also assured the presence of robust food processing sector contingents from their nations.
World Food India 2023 demonstrates a "Whole of Government Approach," with various ministries, departments, and government organizations collaborating to pool their strengths and ensure the event's success. Partners include the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of DONER, Ministry of MSME, Commodity Boards, and more.
The event will feature industry professionals' meetings, B2B/G meetings, exhibitions, a specially curated food experience arena called the Food Street, and a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM), making it an unparalleled value proposition for participating stakeholders.
