NEW DELHI: Japanese companies are keen to invest in India’s food processing sector especially in fruits, vegetables and spices, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said.
Badal, who is on a three-day visit to Tokyo leading a CII delegation, on Thursday met Japanese Agriculture Minister Ken Saito to discuss ways to improve bilateral trade between the two countries. She highlighted the opportunities that India offers in the food processing sector.
Badal also met top officials of Japanese food companies.
“We had a positive interaction. The Japanese government and companies are keen to strengthen ties in the food processing sector. They are looking for more business opportunities in India,” PTI quoted the minister as saying.
Japan, the fourth largest investor in India, is currently sourcing seafood from India. It is now keen to invest in the processing of fruits and vegetables as well as spices and make India a prospective base and export hub, she said.
“One of the Japanese firm engaged in manufacturing of tomato paste wants to become a global leader and is looking at India for sourcing the commodity in huge quantity,” she added. Badal met officials of companies including Marubeni Corporation, House foods Corporation, Japan Association of Refrigerated Warehouses.