(a) Whether the Government have taken up the matter with the French Government regarding suspension of European Union subsidies on basmati rice;
(b) If so, the details thereof and the response of the French Government thereon; and
(c) The other issues discussed and finalised with the Government of France during his visit to that country to boost the export from India?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI. MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) to (b) The matter of safeguarding the preferential tariff being enjoyed by the Indian basmati rice in EU market has been taken up from time to time with the European Union and the EU member countries including France. Such interactions have enabled appreciation of the Indian viewpoint in respect of market access issues being faced by our products including the basmati rice in EU market.
(b) During the last meeting of the Indo-French Joint Committee held in Paris on 23rd May 2000, both the sides agreed to explore the possibilities for trade, technical collaboration, strategic alliances JVs. etc . in different areas including agro-products, food industry, medical equipments, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, energy, auto equipments, electronics, software.