FICCI calls EU's ban on importing select Indian fruits, vegetables as 'unfortunate'

Commenting on the ban imposed by EU on import of select fruits and vegetables from India,  Sidharth Birla, President, FICCI,l said in a statement, "This is an unfortunate development. The way it has happened leaves open the question if this is the only measure or some more could be expected."

"We understand that this matter was under discussion for some time and it is therefore surprising that the EU side has taken such a decision unilaterally. This defies the spirit of cooperation that one would expect. This move would have a bearing on the farmers and exporters from India as well as impact trade and consumers in UK and other countries in the EU," he added.

"The entire ecosystem for exports in India is well geared to meet the quality and safety requirements of countries across the world. Our farmers, packers and exporters supply agri-commodities to different countries. There may have been a few isolated cases in the past, but the way to deal with such a situation is through a discussion. We would have arrived at a constructive solution. What we have got now is a punitive solution that does not bode well for the larger economic relations between the two sides," said Sidharth Birla.