The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) recently hosted an online meeting under its Global Connect Mission 84 initiative, focusing on dairy trade opportunities with Peru and Bolivia. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Indian Ambassadors, Peruvian government officials, and dairy industry leaders from Gujarat, including Surat.

The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss and explore the potential export of dairy products to Peru and Bolivia, aiming to strengthen trade relations between India and these Latin American countries.

Among the dignitaries present were His Excellency Vishwas Sapkal, Indian Ambassador to Peru, and Ms. Cigarette Bazan, Advisor to the Member of Parliament of Lima, Peru. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture of Peru, Dr. Minesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) under the Dairy Ministry of India, and Mr. Akshansh Kochhar, CEO of Dairy, Palanpur, also participated in the meeting.

In his welcome address, SGCCI President Ramesh Vaghasia highlighted the Chamber's efforts to promote trade and industry, emphasizing the importance of exploring new avenues for export growth. He urged the Peruvian Ambassador to provide insights into the demand for products in Peru that could be exported from India.

Ambassador Vishwas Sapkal noted that bilateral trade between India and Peru is valued at US$ 3.6 billion and is continuously strengthening. He highlighted the high demand for milk and dairy products in Peru and expressed interest in acquiring dairy technology and expertise from India to meet this demand.

Dr. Minesh Shah reaffirmed India's commitment to promoting dairy exports to Peru and expressed readiness to provide experts and technology to assist in the development of Peru's dairy industry.

During the meeting, discussions revolved around initiatives to boost dairy exports, including increasing exports from Gujarat to Peru and Bolivia, encouraging joint ventures to set up dairy processing units in Peru, and enhancing cooperation in dairy technology and knowledge sharing.

The meeting concluded with optimism for further strengthening bilateral trade and investment between India and Peru, particularly in the dairy sector.