Kolkata, Sep 4 (IANS): Mozambique has sought Indian expertise and investment to develop its tea industry.

A delegation from the African country, led by Agriculture Minister Jose Pachecho, held a meeting with key stakeholders of the Indian tea industry here Monday to gather more knowledge about cultivation and production of the brew.

"The key challenges facing the Mozambique tea industry are low productivity, quality upgradation and the need to increase demand. To this end, we are seeking help and cooperation from the Indian tea industry to share their expertise, so that Mozambique tea can realise its full potential," Pachecho said.

"There was substantial demand for Mozambique tea in the international market at one time, but the country has lost its position as it has not been able to adapt itself to the requirements of the market," he said, adding his country would like investment from Indian companies.

Tea Board of India Chairman M.G.V.K. Bhanu said a delegation from India would soon visit Mozambique to explore opportunities there.

"There is lot of scope for development of the tea industry in Mozambique as the climate is suitable and so far only 88 percent of the country's arable land has been cultivated. We can also have an exchange programme of scientists and there can be knowledge transfer," Bhanu said, according to a Tea Board of India release Tuesday.

He invited the Mozambican delegation to the International Tea Convention to be held in Goa Nov 7-9 this year.