A ten member delegation of the Tea Board of India led by its Chairman, Mr Basudev Banerjee, visited Russia from 8 to 12 February. The First International Tea Symposium was organized by Rusteacoffee Association at the World Trade Centre in Moscow on 09 February. The Tea Board of India was the major sponsor of the two-day event, which was attended by 300 guests from 12 countries. It was a unique event which brought together major players in the Tea business from Russia, CIS and other countries under one platform. The Symposium was opened by Mr. Michael Bunston, Chairman of the International Tea Committee. Mr Banerjee, in his address, informed the guests about innovations of the Indian tea market directed specifically at Russia.

Tea Auction

A well received Charitable Tea Auction aimed at enhancing the image of Indian tea in the Russian market was organised at the World Trade Centre in Moscow on 09 February. A short film on the auction system in India which explained the whole process in brief was screened for heads of major tea importing companies and renowned Russia Tea Tasters. Tea-Tasting session were also organised at the World Trade Centre on the same day. The delegation had meetings with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation on 10 February. Mr. Banerjee also visited the Tea Board of India pavilion at the Prodexpo 2009 on 11 February.