MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tierra del Fuego farmers explore Indian market.

A group of associated Tierra del Fuego farmers are exploring the possibilities of selling wool to India following a business trip to the cities of Bombay, New Delhi and the textile industry hub of Ludiana.

A representative from the farmers association was invited to travel to India in an official visit by Chilean president Ricardo Lagos a month ago and came back surprised at the potential of the Indian market, a country with a population of 1,1 billion "but 300 million with an acceptable consumer capacity".

"Our enterprise started in 2003 and we are now ten farmers with 104,000 hectares of land and 195,000 sheep, and sell our own wool", explained Mr. Alberto Rojas.

The trip was organized with the financial help from the Chilean Development Corporation; ProChile which promotes exports; Exporters Association and the Chilean committee of foreign investors.

"Chile and India are currently holding trade negotiations with the purpose of lowering tariffs and besides India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world together with China", added Mr. Rojas.

In spite of competition from Australia and New Zealand Mr. Rojas is confident that the Indian market is accessible for Magallanes wool, "our fleece and colour impressed Ludiana's textile industry".

Finally Mr. Rojas revealed that ProChile has given them a grant to explore the Uruguayan wool market and they are also preparing for a coming multi-sector trade visit to Russia and Poland in April.