India, Vietnam sign MoU on cashew

Mangalore, Feb 1 (UNI) India and Vietnam, both leaders in cashew production, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend bilateral cooperation for the promotion of cashewnuts.

The MoU, inked on January 25 in Ho Chi Minh city during the Indian trade delegation's visit to Vietnam, was significant for the Indian cashew industry as the country accounted for over 65 per cent of the total processing in the world, Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) Chairman Walter D'Souza said in a release here yesterday.

This was the first-ever MoU entered into by the CEPCI at international level. A 28-member delegation from six States visited the National Cashew Research Station, plantations, progressive farmers and processing units from January 22 to January 25 and held high-level discussions, prior to inking the MoU, he said.

While the Indian delegation was led by Mr D'Souza, the Vietnam delegation was led by Dr Phan Van Bien, President, Vietnam Cashew Association.

Complimenting India and Vietnam for taking giant strides in the sector, Mr D'Souza said India accounted for the largest crop size of about 5.5 lakh mt and processing of about 11 lakh mt, followed by Vietnam with a production of 3.5 lakh mt and Brazil at 2.5 lakh mt.

Vietnam had overtaken Brazil within a short span of about 15 years.

He urged the Indian delegation to take a cue from the Vietnamese example and adopt innovative steps to maintain high standards.

UNI