Vigo Mayor and President of the Organisation Commission of the World Fishing Exhibition Vigo'09,Mr Abel Caballeo Welcoming Prof K V Thomas MOS and Indian delegation Leader to the Vigo'09.
Minister Prof. K.V. Thomas, leading the Indian delegation to Vigo (Spain) held meetings in Madrid at the Confederation of Employers´ and Industry (CEOE) [counterpart of CII of India] with Spanish companies in agriculture and fisheries sector and the Associations. The companies evinced interest in industry to industry cooperation in food processing, fisheries, research and development and more information sharing. The Minister also visited Europe´s second largest wholesale market for agriculture commodities – Merca Madrid which sells fruits, vegetables, fish and meat products. MercaMadrid is the central distributing market servicing Spain and Portugal.
The Minister had an in-depth discussion with the Spanish Minister for Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, Ms. Elena Espinosa.
The discussions covering wide range of subjects focused on bilateral cooperation on agriculture and food processing, dairying and poultry and decided to expedite the operationalization of the MoU concluded between Spain and India in April 2009 coinciding with the visit of President of India to Spain. A Committee of experts will be constituted to monitor the progress of proposed actions.
The Indian Minister visited a Mussel Technology Centre in Vigo in the morning. He also paid a visit to Santiago de Compostela, the Capital of Galicia Region. He was received by the Mayor and paid a visit to the Santiago Cathedral in the evening. The Cathedral is a listed world heritage site and the name is derived from St. James, whose holy relics are believed to be enshrined in the basement. He will address the Ministerial meeting tomorrow.
