In order to explore the possibilities of expansion in the Indo-Taiwanese tea trade, a business delegation visited Taiwan from June 28-July 1. The delegation held meetings with important stakeholders of the Taiwan tea industry and discussed ways and means to increase cooperation between the Indian and Taiwanese tea companies. Pradeep Kumar Rawat, director general, India-Taipei Association (ITA), briefed the delegation on the opportunities to tap the market potential in Taiwan. He stressed on the need to publicise and popularise Indian tea in the Taiwanese market as currently there is very little awareness about Indian tea and culture among the Taiwanese people. The health benefits of black tea should be publicised among the Taiwanese, he said. The ready-to-drink (RTD) segment offers huge scope for expansion as the masala tea is very popular in Taiwan. He emphasised on the need to break into the RTD market and do value addition of the products. The CTC variety is apt for the RTD market in Taiwan, he added. In the meeting, possibilities of cooperation with Indian tea companies were discussed. A seminar and buyer-seller-meet was also organized at the Howard Plaza Hotel, where the MGVK Bhanu, chairman, Tea Board of India, briefed the stakeholders of the Taiwan tea industry about the role of the Board. The main responsibilities of the Board comprise facilitating the development of tea, implementing regulations to preserve the quality of tea and ensure fair trade practices, and undertaking research activities for the betterment of the tea industry as a whole. There was also a demonstration on Indian Tea and Tea Sampling. The seminar was followed by a buyer-seller meet, to facilitate forging of tea partnerships and greater cooperation between the two countries. Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Tea-Board-explores-possibilities-of-trade-with-Taiwan/articleshow/14675603.cms