The Hindu Business Line : Indian cashew team to visit Vietnam

After the alliances in aviation and banking industries, it is time for the cashew sector to look in this direction. India, a leader in cashew production and processing, plans a global alliance with other international players such as Vietnam and Brazil.

The Vision 2020 document of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) has outlined plans to commence multilateral efforts to promote cashew consumption for development of the world cashew economy.

Mr Walter D'Souza, CEPCI Chairman, told Business Line that a trade delegation would visit Vietnam on a four-day tour in connection with the implementation of its Vision 2020 programme.

Of the world's total production of 16.5 lakh tonnes of cashew, India accounts for processing about two-thirds at an aggregate of 11 lakh tonnes. This is followed by Vietnam with 3.5 lakh tonnes and Brazil with 2 lakh tonnes. Though Brazil was in second place from 1950 to 1990, Vietnam has emerged as the fastest growing producer, processor and exporter of cashews. Mr D'Souza said representatives from both countries would address issues such as multilateral cooperation, joint promotion, marketing, research and development, and clinical research on the beneficial and health related aspectsMr G. Giridhar Prabhu, Convenor, Vision 2020 Committee of CEPCI, said there had been an effort to forge an alliance between India and the US way back in 1993. But this did not take off, as there was lack of producer interest. He said it was necessary for governments of cashew-producing countries to work with multilateral agencies such as FAO and WHO to promote the cashew sector.

It may be recalled that major cashew importing countries had sought the formation of a global cashew association. Mr D'Souza, in his address at the International Tree Nut Convention in Montreal in May 2006, had consented to discuss the proposal with the CEPCI leadership.

"Based on the consensus to be arrived at Vietnam, CEPCI proposes to have a meeting with Brazil and explore the formation of the much-needed global initiative for cashews," he said.

The Indian delegation led by Mr D'Souza and comprising 25 exporters from six states, will tour Vietnam from January 22 to 25. Dr Pham Van Bien, President of the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), will head the Vietnam delegation. The tour will include visits to cashew plantations and processing units.

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