[gallery size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="103677,103676,103678"]The Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN), working under the aegis of the Consulate General of India, organized the B2B meeting for 60 participating company delegates of Foodex Saudi 2016, under the lead of India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) a government of India enterprise with Saudi businessmen and entrepreneurs from food and drink industry at Indian consulate Jeddah premises. Consul General of India Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheik has showcased the potential of B2B meetings, its purpose and benefits provided by SIBN for Saudi businessmen. He also stressed the important role played by ITPO in the visit of Indian companies to the Foodex Saudi, 2016, Saudi Arabia's only exhibition dedicated to the food and drink industry. "It shows in a way, bonding between two friendly countries. The trade relations between India and the Kingdom goes back several centuries, and interaction between businessmen from both countries is gaining traction with both exploring the possibilities of establishing joint ventures and partnerships." Mohammed Shaid Alam, Deputy Consul General and Consul (Haj), said we are working towards giving a boost to the Indian food industry by encouraging more bilateral trade between the two nations in this sector. We have a long tradition as an agro-exporting country, trusted, reliable, and predictable, that respects contracts and follows rules. This Indian businessmen's visit aims to build long-term trade relations between the two nations in the food sector by promoting investment opportunities in India, joint venture opportunities and boosting export and import of various food products. Dr. Mohammed Nurul Hasan, Consul (Commerce), said, The B2B meet reflects the close Indo-Saudi ties. The delegation too is giving a boost to the Indian food industry by encouraging more bilateral trade between the two nations in the food industry, for this delegation represents all major sectors of food industry right from the export intensive spice industry to the snack food and confectionary sector. Anand Kumar, Consul (Consular), said, "India has become a very important player on the global market as a producer and exporter of agricultural products. The world market depends on India to meet the global needs and the Indian agriculture industry has shown its ability to produce a wide range of products of good quality and price. India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) Abhishek Chouhan said that we are grateful to SIBN and Consul General of India Mohd. Noor Rahman Sheik for organizing these important B2B meetings with Saudi businessmen and he was optimistic that Indian firms could play a major role in the growing Saudi Arabia food and drink industry market, the largest in the Middle East. Other delegates too appreciated the warm Saudi welcome and lauded the B2B meeting that provided them extra opportunities. Saudi businessman, Ali Muhaidib said, "The Kingdom traditionally is a significant market for Indian Basmati rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed food products like ready-to-eat food/curries, soups, honey, fresh/frozen fruits & vegetables, chutneys, pickles, herbal tea and organic products and I'm very happy with the B2B meeting." Smita Dash, Asst. general manager, International Business, Holista Tranzworld Private Limited, said, "SIBN has arranged a perfect opportunity for us to meet with Saudi businessmen, and potential buyers as well as allowing us to give our counterparts a better understanding of the consumer trends driving India's food sector. Indian agricultural, horticultural and processed foods are being exported to more than 100 countries among them the major exporters are Middle East." Indian delegates, on their part, too valued the interaction with Ravi Gupta, of Saar foods, calling the meeting' important and impressive' for both the Saudis and Indians as India has today emerged as a major producer and exporter of quality rice. Sayed Zeeshan, Export Manager of JABS International said the hospitality from the Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN) at the B2B meeting will be cherished and remembered for many years to come. Dhaval Chandarana of Dhaval Agri Exports praised the hospitality and added it was a pleasure to attend and take part in the B2B meeting organized by SIBN, which helped us meet Saudi businessmen and identify potential buyers. Mahesh Modi, Export & Corporate Manager of Sachchade Food Pvt. Ltd., said Saudi Arabia is a diverse and valuable trading region for Indian's Agri-Food industries. Majeedul Hassan, SIBN general secretary, said This meeting has provided an excellent opportunity to major buyers from Kingdom to interact with Indian delegates for sourcing their product requirements from India. It was the right platform to showcase Indian products. Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, SIBN executive secretary, said, The group is striving to promote trade and commerce, business alliances, joint ventures and investments, by being a catalyst in promoting business and at last he deliver vote of thanks also. Eng. Adnan Zagzoog, SIBN Joint secretary, welcomed more such B2B meetings between the two countries on regular basis and thanked SIBN for arranging the B2B meetings whenever Indian delegation visits the Kingdom. Vijay Soni, SIBN treasurer, compared and shared thrust of the market for holistic products. Market is looking for authentic natural spices aroma as well as healthy products from India. Continuous dialogue and information sharing among business community can add great value to both societies. Zakaria Biladi, event management of SIBN, said the purpose of the B2B meeting was to promote India ́s exports of its premier products, and to create a positive brand image of Indian products. SIBN arranged the sumptuous fare of Indian Guajarati food; sweets and The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia arrange cool drinks through Sheik Abdul Quader, Field Sales Manager. Consul General of India Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh and Deputy Consul General Mohammed Shaid Alam, along with SIBN held a discussion with Indian company representatives participating at Foodex Saudi 2016. The panel discussion held at the exhibition hall on 24th, November in presence of Joint Secretary Ministry of Agriculture of India, ITPO Abhishek Chouhan, Dr. Mohd. Nurul Hasan Consul (Commerce), SIBN treasurer Vijay Soni, delegates and other participants. The meeting evoked good response. Participants requested for early resumption of arrangements with local support and sharing trading data between trade bodies and consulate. The team assured participants to take forward their recommendation to ministry and organizers. Abhishek Chouhan assured to arrange traders data at Indian Consulate for ease of Saudi business community.
