On his way to China Week, the Minister of Agriculture, Antonio Walker, will stopover in the Arab Emirates and India with the desire to explore new markets for the export of his sector. In an interview with PULSO, he highlighted the potential that India represents.
What is the purpose of the meeting with your Indian peer?
-We want India to be like China for agricultural exports; This is our goal. The exports we had to China in the first quarter of 2018, in comparison to the same period of 2017, rose 57% and we see that India has the same potential. However, we are just starting, and we are not taking advantage of it.
What are your plans?
-We have a tremendous opportunity in avocados, grapes, apples, cellulose, kiwi, seeds. In general, in fresh fruit for export, given our counter season.
And in the Arab Emirates?
-In this case, it was their ambassador in Chile who came to us. They stated, “we have the market and the capital, you have the product”. So, we want to sign an agricultural memorandum of understanding. They are very interested in investing in Chile and supply themselves with our food.
Qualms in the Chamber of deputies in relation to the agricultural sector stopped the agreement with Argentina, what is your opinion on this matter?
– The plea to farmers, who are frightened with a treaty with Argentina and Brazil, is to open their doors, which has always been beneficial for agriculture. We can assure you that there will be transparency and that they will compete on equal terms with the Mercosur countries.
Source: El pulso
Reporter: Francisca Guerrero[:]
