Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said India has emerged as 7th largest exporter of agri-products globally. Addressing the 22nd APEDA Export award function in New Delhi today, she said there is a significant increase in the exports of food products from the country and it represents more than 12 percent of total exports. <br/><br/>Ms Teaotia said the total merchandise exports during 2016-2017 is more than 276 billion dollars out of which agricultural exports comprised nearly 33 billion dollars. She said Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, Iran, Iraq and Nepal are the major destinations for export of Indian food products. <br/> <br/>AIR correspondent reports, 82 APEDA awards were presented for the year 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. It included 2 Diamond trophy, 33 Gold, 29 Silver and 18 Bronze awards.<br/> <br/> Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority popularly known as APEDA is an apex body of the Ministry of Commerce, to promote the export of agricultural commodities and processed food products. <br/><br/>APEDA links Indian exporters to global markets besides providing comprehensive export oriented services. APEDA provides referral services and suggest suitable partners for joint ventures.