Yemen to explore Bengal to increase bilateral trade with India

Kolkata: Yemen is exploring the advantages and strengths of India's West Bengal state to increase trade between the two countries, a Yemeni diplomat said on Tuesday.

"We do not have enough information about West Bengal's strength and advantages in terms of business opportunities. We try to gather information and explore the state to increase the bilateral trade," said Tariq Izzaldeen Hassan Al-Mouthen, first secretary of the Yemen embassy to India.

He was here to participate in a seminar on India-Gulf Business Exchange, organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Bilateral trade between India and Yemen is pegged over $3.25 billion, he said.

"Being mostly dependent on oil, Yemen imports handicrafts, species, medicines, electrical tools, clothes and many things from India. Yemenis have the trust on the quality and standard of Indian products," he said.

"We have interest in healthcare facilities. More than 15,000 Yemenis come to India mostly in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi every year for better healthcare. More than 4,000 nurses, mostly from Kerala are working in Yemen," he added.

"Why doesn't Bengal provide healthcare services to Yemenis if the cost permits and there is direct flight connection?" he said.