The Ministry of Food Processing Industries hosted a roundtable discussion with the Heads of Foreign Missions in India on 15th June, 2023 at New Delhi. The Ministry issued a press release on its discussions on the same on the same day.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage in dialogue regarding overseas participation in the upcoming second edition of ‘World Food India 2023’ (WFI). WFI is scheduled to take place from 3rd to 5th November, 2023 at New Delhi. The event aims to showcase the Indian Food Processing Sector and attract collaborations and investments from global stakeholders. This edition of WFI aligns with the International Year of Millets 2023 and will feature millets, organic produce, and indigenous processed food as key focus areas.
The roundtable discussion was co-chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Special Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Charge d’ Affaires, and senior representatives from 47 countries attended the interaction. The meeting included the participation of senior officers from various ministries and organizations associated with organizing the event, such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Commerce, APEDA, MPEDA, FICCI, Invest India, and EY.
During the discussion, the Secretary and Special Secretary highlighted India’s significant contributions to global food security, its abundant resources, and the vast consumer base that make it an attractive proposition for international stakeholders. They also provided an overview of the event, including its focus on different sub-sectors of food processing, technological innovations, sustainability, and related machinery.
The representatives of the foreign missions were briefed on the event’s preparations and the opportunities available for participating countries and businesses. The attendees acknowledged the event’s importance in the current global food scenario and expressed their commitment to active participation from their respective countries. They assured the presence of strong food processing sector contingents from their nations.
World Food India 2023 exemplifies a “Whole of Government Approach,” as various ministries, departments, and government organizations have joined forces, including the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of DONER, Ministry of MSME, and Commodity Boards, pooling their respective strengths to ensure the event’s success.
The event will feature industry professional meetings, B2B/G meetings, exhibitions, a curated food experience arena called Food Street, and a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM), offering a unique value proposition for all participating stakeholders.
