APEDA’s first ever Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) took place from 10th- 12th March 2021
In a first-of-its-kind initiative for boosting the export potential of India’s agricultural and processed food products during COVID19 pandemic, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched its first Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) on March 10, 2021. The fair concluded on March 12, 2021.
The fair with the theme ‘India Rice and Agro Commodity’, focused on showcasing the export potential of various agricultural commodities. Importers as well as exporters were key participants of the VTF. The potential buyers or importers and visitors got to explore a wide range of food products presented by the exporters through this virtual fair.
The key products displayed through VTF included – basmati rice, non-basmati rice, millets, wheat, maize, groundnut and coarse grains. So far 135 Exhibitors have registered for the VTF. Further, 266 Indian and international buyers from United Arab Emirates, Brazil, New Zealand, France, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Fiji, Philippines, Qatar, Sudan, Myanmar, Netherlands, and Peru have registered at the starting of the events.
In the pre-COVID19 era, trade fairs and exhibitions have been instrumental in promoting export of agricultural foods by APEDA. In the VTF, the trade facilitation took place using interactive technology.
Through VTF, the exporters and importer meetings were held with no interruption via audio as well as video sessions. The fair provided the facility workshops, product launches, live streams and webinars. The virtual meet had facilities for private meeting rooms, personalized meeting provisions.