Date:17/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/17/stories/2005031700801702.htm

Back Coirfed signs export pact

Our Bureau

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Cooperative Coir Marketing Federation (Coirfed) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi-based EMKE Group for export of coir products.

Mr Sivaprasad, Managing Director, Coirfed, and Mr M.A. Yousuf Ali, Managing Director, EMKE Group, signed the agreement at a function here in the presence of the Agriculture Minister, Ms K.R. Gouri.

The EMKE Group plans to market Coirfed products through the string of 45 `super-hyper' markets it operates in seven Gulf countries. The group will lift five container loads of coir products every month. The first consignment will be shipped from here on Sunday, Ms Gouri said. Mr Ali said he would also explore the option of replicating the model for buying vegetables and fruits from the State.