BUCHAREST (TIP): The Embassy of India in Bucharest organized a Hybrid Business-to-Business (B2B) Meeting on the Agriculture & Food sector today at its premises, aligning with the recent EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signing. This event advanced SME collaborations in food processing and bolstered Indian exports of high-value items such as spices and processed foods to Romania and the wider European market.
Held in close coordination with Mr. Amit Sawhney, CII Europe Council Member, MD of Nippon Global SL, and CEO, the meeting underscored the Embassy’s proactive role in promoting bilateral trade and investment in high-potential sectors. The meeting opened with remarks by H.E. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Ambassador of India to Romania, followed by addresses from Mr. Amit Sawhney and NAFED representatives. The Ambassador emphasized India’s pivotal role in global food and agricultural supply chains, its robust manufacturing ecosystem delivering high-quality, cost-competitive products compliant with international standards, and supportive policy frameworks. He urged Romanian partners to pursue sourcing, co-development, and R&D collaborations. Mr. Deepak Agarwal, IAS, Managing Director, and Shri Kanse Dhairyashil Vijay, Joint Managing Director of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), briefed participants on NAFED’s extensive operational network and capabilities. They extended invitations to Romanian businesses for partnerships in India.
The event drew established and emerging companies, alongside public and private sector representatives, signaling robust mutual interest. Indian firms highlighted their advanced manufacturing, diverse portfolios, and global footprint, voicing keenness to ramp up exports to Romania and Europe. Romanian counterparts recognized India’s emergence as a reliable manufacturing hub, showing enthusiasm for sourcing, technology tie-ups, and joint ventures in food processing, agricultural equipment, and related areas.
The hybrid format broadened reach, with over 50 Romanian companies attending in person and about 20 Indian firms joining virtually from across India. Real-time discussions covered regulatory hurdles, certifications, logistics, and European market entry, complemented by Indian presentations on product ranges, quality standards, and export expertise. Interactive sessions spotlighted Romanian interest in agriculture, food processing, machinery, and innovative solutions. These led to fruitful one-on-one meetings, yielding leads like product trials, initial agreements, and sample shipments.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to fostering India-Romania economic ties and enabling follow-up engagements. The event ended with a vote of thanks, celebrating stakeholder participation. It laid a strong foundation for new connections, with planned virtual meetings and delegations to translate discussions into tangible outcomes.
(Based on a press release issued by the Embassy of India in Romania)
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