Gulfood 2023: Historic MOU between the Indian government and Lulu Group for Export of Millets

The retail giant Lulu Hypermarket LLC and the Indian government agency Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the World Trade Centre in Dubai on Tuesday, which is expected to increase India's millet exports to the UAE.

The agreement is one of the highlights of the world's largest annual food exhibition, Gulfood 2023. UAE is the third-largest importer of Indian goods. In recognition of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, India is promoting a variety of wheat, rice, maize, and millet-related products.

The Memorandum of Understanding is a result of the signed and continually improving CEPA agreement between the two countries, which aims to facilitate trade. Dr. Tarun Bajaj, director of APEDA, and Saleem VI, chief operating officer of LuLu Group International (LLC), signed the MOU in the presence of Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir, APEDA chairman Dr. M. Angamuthu, Indian consul-general in Dubai Dr. Aman Puri, and Lulu chairman MA. Yusuff Ali.

During April to November of 2022, India exported millets worth $46,05 million. The new MOU will assist Apeda in reaching its export goal of US$ 100 million for millets and value-added products by 2025.

In the GCC, Egypt, India, and Far East, the LuLu Group International operates 247 Lulu stores and 24 shopping malls. Daily, the LuLu Group serves 1.2 million customers.

This year, the international trade show focuses on promoting the export of millets, with trading partners from the GCC, Asia, Africa, and Europe participating. In addition, a buyer-seller meeting was organised at the India Pavilion.

Apeda, which falls under the Government of India's Ministry of Commerce, is participating in 16 International Trade Fairs to promote the export of millets. The millets will be sourced from FPOs, FPCs, women and new business owners, startups, etc.