The Hindu Business Line : A neutral platform to take stock of global scenario

THE focus of the rubber industry this week will be on Kochi, where the World Rubber Congress 2004 will take stock of the global scenario during June 17-18.

Organised by Tefla, the Congress will discuss issues relating to policy, trade and technology. It will also take up the current challenges of supply and demand and integration of India with world rubber economy.

In addition to the two-day conference, an exhibition to showcase the newest materials and latest technology available for the industry will take place.

The Congress will bring together on a neutral platform all the stakeholders in the rubber sector for an in-depth and objective analysis of the status and prospects.

Rubber is in the news these days, heading towards a record Rs 70 a kg-mark.

The prices have improved considerably both within the country and in the international market, while India's rubber exports exceeded 60,000 tonnes during 2003-04.

The current situation is seen as the most opportune time for the stakeholders to discuss issues of importance to the rubber sector and formulate a set of recommendations for the policymakers.

Other topics to be covered at the Congress include current trends and outlook, overview of global natural and synthetic rubber markets, challenges and opportunities for the tyre industry, WTO implications, rubber futures trading, and investment opportunities and potential of natural rubber in Asia.

Growers, plantation owners, processors, manufacturers of finished products, traders, research centres, financial institutions, policymakers and officials from Central and State governments, as also machinery manufacturers and service providers are expected to participate and benefit from deliberations.

Speakers from India and abroad will discuss a range of topics of interest to the Asian region.

The Rubber Board Chairman, Mr S.M. Desalphine, leading industrialists and rubber technologists are expected to air their views at the meet.

The Congress will also be witness to the Government, growers and user industry airing their views on the sector.

Tefla, the organiser, is known for conceptualising, planning and organising research-based, industry specific events in tandem with industry associations.

Its earlier ventures are Globoil India, a conference on edible oil and related industries; Alcobev, an international conference on the beverage alcohol industry, Aracon, Franchising India, the first and second Asia-Pacific Crop Protection Conference, the India Cargo Convention, Grain Asia and Sugar Summit.