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Serbia-India to Deepen Ties in Agri and Filming

Sep 27, 2019

An interactive programme on ‘Trade and investment Opportunities in Serbia’ was held in honour of H. E. Mr. Bogdan Igic, Hon’ble Deputy Minister Agriculture, Government of Serbia who led a delegation of business leaders from fruits, vegetables and other sectors of agriculture to explore potential partners in India. The event was organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in association with All India Association of Industries. H. E. Mr. Igic said, “Serbia is the only country in the western world to offer visa-free entry for Indians upto 30 days. We held meetings with India’s agriculture ministry to allow import of Siberian reddish apples. In the next few weeks, all relevant permits and certifications for import of Serbian apples into India will be in place.”

The Minister informed, “Serbia can help India enhance food production, especially development of apple orchards and other fruits. As a pilot project, Serbia will donate apple saplings and guide farmers of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir through our instructors to begin with.”

H. E. Mr. Vladimir Maric, Ambassador, Embassy of Serbia said, “Serbia has expertise in film production and the industry has well-qualified crews. Therefore, film production is cheaper in Serbia compared to many other countries.”

The ambassador invited Indian investors to explore investment opportunities in Serbia with the assistance of the Development Agency of Serbia as already some Indian Investors are there.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “India and Serbia have huge scope to partner in diverse sectors as the current bilateral trade of USD 215 million does not reflect the true potential. This is the great time to explore bilateral partnership as Government of India is unleashing economic reforms.”

Mr. Kalantri suggested the Serbian delegation to donate apple saplings to farmers in Maharashtra and guide them on commercial development of orchards. He said, “Although Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir have favourable agro-climatic condition to grow apple, Maharashtra is also a potential cultivation state.”

In Photo:

From (L-R): Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; H. E. Mr. Bogdan Igic, Hon’ble Deputy Minister Agriculture, Government of Serbia; H. E. Mr. Vladimir Maric, Ambassador, Embassy of Serbia; Mr. Taizun Patheria, Honorary Consul, Honorary Consulate of Serbia in Mumbai and Mr. Y. R. Warerkar, Director General, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.