MPEDA launches quality logo for Indian seafood

Mumbai, India

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has launched its export quality logo with the objective of obtaining greater credibility and confidence for Indian seafood products in international markets.

It has been registered with the Trademark / Copyright and Registration in India as well as in the three major markets of the US, the EU and Japan. In terms of quality, the logo-affixed products are expected to have uniform superior quality and abide by higher standards in organoleptic and bacteriological standards. The affixing of the quality logo would enhance the appeal of the product among the buyers.

The introduction of the new logo was expected to improve and extend the market for Indian seafood products, said Anwar Hashim, president of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).

Commerce ministry to meet with Agri, Textile Ministries on cotton export

New Delhi, India

The commerce ministry would hold a meeting with Agriculture and Textile Ministries to discuss cotton exports.

On the occasion, the commerce ministry will ask the two ministries to submit their requirements and production capacities respectively. Earlier, the government had announced that the Rs 2,500 per tonne export duty on cotton would go from October 1 and the textiles commissioner would start registration of mandatory cotton contracts. Following this, cotton export would be put under Open General Licence, which means unrestricted and free export of cotton.

India's cotton production is expected to rise marginally at 5.1million tonnes during the 2010-11 crop years (July-June) as against 5.01 million tonnes last year, while domestic demand is estimated to rise at 4.59 million tonnes from 4.25 million tonnes, according to the Confederation of India Textiles Industry.