Norwegian Seafood Council looks for bigger market in India

THE Norwegian Seafood Council has set its sights on India as it seeks large new markets outside Europe.

The council, which is a public company owned by the Ministry of Trade and Fisheries, has appointed business expert Yogi Shergill as country director for India.

Norwegian seafood exports are currently hitting new heights, but much of the trade still remains with Europe.

However, Norway has been a major exporter to China and Japan for some time, but it is keen to expand its Asian business and India, with its huge population and growing middle class, presents major opportunities.

Shergill will build on the existing business activities developed by NSC and Norwegian companies and explore the potential for further export growth of Norwegian seafood, explicitly Norwegian salmon and cod, to the Indian market. He is of Indian origin and has extensive business experience in India.

‘My goal is to establish a broader foundation between Norwegian exporters and Indian companies that can enhance delivery of seafood products from Norway to the Indian consumer,’ he said.

‘In this respect I will utilise my contacts to seek out importers, distributors, retail outlets, hotels and restaurants in India that are involved in the marketing and sale of fresh and frozen fish.’

Norwegian companies are already exporting salmon to some cities in India, but there is a need for stronger links between the Indian and Norwegian seafood industry that can benefit both countries.

‘I am visiting India this month to have discussions with companies already importing and consuming Norwegian salmon and will be happy to meet with companies who are interested in importing fish from Norway,’ said Shergill.