FTA negotiations expected this year: Mouneer Agbariya

India and Israel share a bilateral relationship that is getting stronger with time. In technology and skilled services, both have a lot to offer each other. A high level delegation is all set to come to India to discuss various factors like FTA, food processing technology, irrigation and many more. Mouneer Agbariya, the Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of Israel spoke to BE’s Priyalina Basu about their future plans.

Q) What is the progress of India and Israel free trade agreement?

A) The professional teams met in last May and discussed the chapters that the agreement will include and other matters related to the negotiations. It is expected that by the end of this year the two countries will have the first meeting of negotiations.

Q) How can Israeli technology help the food processing industry of India?

A) This can be mainly done by the transfer of technology of shelf-life, cooling chains, packaging, storage, etc. I think a key rule would be for the dairy to expand the variety of products to the consumers as well as the quality.The Indian Union Minister of Food Processing is expected to visit Israel accompanied by official and business delegations by the end of this year.

Q) An Israeli delegation is scheduled to visit Kolkata. What areas would they be looking at?

A) The delegation will be on water technologies. These technologies include water management, water treatment, desalination, waste water treatment, filtration, municipal supply and so on.

Q) How can Israeli know-how help to enhance the productivity of the dairy and agricultural industry in India?

A) The best way is by increasing the collaboration between the business communities of the two countries with the support and the guidance of the governments. The exchange of the business delegations, exhibitions, conferences, etc., will bring more interaction and definitely more exchange of opportunities.We have decided to open a trade office in Kolkata to assist the Embassy to increase and intensify its activity in this important part of India.