India and UAE sign MoU to strengthen bilateral agri-trade and food safety cooperation

In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral agri-trade, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 19 January between the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE), UAE, and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The agreement focuses on cooperation in food safety and technical regulations to facilitate smoother agricultural trade between the two nations.

The MoU aims to enhance exports of Basmati rice and other agricultural products from India to the UAE by establishing clear export frameworks, robust pre-shipment testing protocols, mutual cooperation on pesticide residue standards, and the exchange of technical information.

By aligning regulatory practices, strengthening laboratory cooperation, and instituting a Joint Technical Committee, the agreement reflects the shared commitment of India and the UAE to ensuring safe, high-quality food supply chains while promoting sustainable growth in agricultural exports.

The partnership is expected to further deepen trade ties between the two countries and create new opportunities for Indian agri-exporters in the UAE market.

Source - APEDA