13 July :The value of tea exports on account of dollar fluctuation against Indian rupee is no more a worrying factor and position for Indian tea is quite rosy, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh said.
It is a misnomer to claim there was a dip in tea exports and it has been affected by changes in the dollar, he told reporters in Tiruchirappalli on Sunday.
It was still a grey market contrary to general opinion and exports ran into 20 million kg to Iraq, he said, adding Egypt was another potential market for Indian tea and export is expected to touch 10-15 million kg this year.
Besides, Iran and Pakistan were also expected to "expand" their imports from India, Ramesh said.
After his visit to Cairo, United Planters Association of South India had agreed to install India centres in Cairo as a public-private partnership with Tea Board India, he said.
The Commerce Minister brushed aside questions on inflation.Courtsey DD NEWS