China reluctant to renew Indian mango and grape imports
China is dragging its heels over renewing and import deal with India for mangoes, grapes and bitter gourd, website Mydigitalfc.com reported.
Following years of deliberation China allowed Indian imports back in 2006, however so far none of these products have been shipped due to custom clearance difficulties at Chinese ports.
The pact was due for renewal since last year and India's agricultural ministry is waiting to see if Chinese market entry might finally happen.
"It has been several months since we've put in the request with Chinese authorities for renewal of the import deal. However, there has been no interest from the Chinese side," a senior agricultural offical was quoted as saying.
India is pushing to increase exports to bridge the growing trade deficit between the two countries, which has gone up from US$19.2 billion in 2009-10 to US$23.8 billion in 2010-11.
A commerce ministry delegation recently submitted a list of 916 items to China, with the request that imports of these goods should be enhanced.
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