India to export 15-20 million kgs tea to Egypt

Kolkata, Apr 17: India will step-up exports to Egypt from 2.7 million kgs to 15-20 million kgs tea in the next two to three years.

Speaking to UNI, Tea Board Chairman Basudeb Bannerjee here today said Egypt imports CTC tea only from Kenya to the tune of around 20 million kg per annum and the market is mainly dominated by Kenya.

''We can expect the export to touch 15-20 million kg within the next year,'' Mr Banerjee said. Both South and North Indian teas are expected to find a place in the basket.

''Tea Board, along with the industry, have worked out multi-pronged strategies to boost export in that country. Regular buyer-seller meets will be organised frequently. We have started these meets from last year,'' he said.

The Board would also set up an India Tea Centre in Cairo by November. ''We have seen a few sites and talked to people interested in running it. We plan to open it in November when the 'Made in India show' would be held in Egypt,'' Mr Banerjee said.

An Egyptian delegation will visit India soon. Talks in this matter, however, is in its initial stage.

Following the last year's drought in Kenya, Egyptian importers have realised the fact that they should not depend solely on Kenyan tea. So they want to import from India as well.

''Import duties on tea has been reduced by two per cent which will also help boost the exports,'' he said.

UNI