VARANASI, June 21 -- A 40-metric-tonne consignment of biscuits has been exported from Varanasi to Oman. The consignment was flagged off at a ceremony held at Karikhiyav Food Park in Varanasi. The shipment will be transported by road from Varanasi to the Inland Container Depot in Kanpur. After customs clearance, it will be sent to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai and then shipped to Oman by sea. Speaking on the occasion, APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev described the export as a historic achievement for Varanasi. He said the India-Oman trade route has become more accessible following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and expressed hope that the development would encourage more local exporters to explore international markets. APEDA regional head Dr CB Singh said the authority is continuously working to promote exports from the Varanasi region. He noted that fresh produce such as mangoes, chillies and okra had already been exported from the area to several countries. Biscuit exports to Sharjah began last year, and Oman has now emerged as another promising market for industries in the Purvanchal region....