KOCHI: The Asia Rubbertech Expo 2006, inaugurated here on Thursday, is attracting scores of visitors. The three-day exhibition, organised by the Indian Rubber Institute, is focusing on latest developments in product design, manufacturing, testing and education. The show was inaugurated by Principal Secretary to Government (Finance) Jose Cyriac. Joint Managing Director of Apollo Tyres Limited Neeraj Kanwar, Chief of Research & Technology at Apollo Tyres P.K. Mohamed, were among those present.

Expo in Chennai

There were many presentations on tyre and non-tyre technology, processing technology, nano technology, latex technology, polymers and composites.

The growth of the rubber industry in all countries is linked with the growth of the automobile industry. A host of players in the global automobile market are using India as a production base, according to representatives of the All India Rubber Industries Association. The Association, along with CAPEXIL, a trade facilitation arm of the Government, is organising India Rubber Expo, an international exhibition, at Chennai from January 17 to 20.

Anil Sampat, Chairman of the expo, told reporters that India was making more than 35000 different kinds of rubber products in about 6000 units having a combined turnover of $5 billion. Since 65 pc of the rubber is directly or indirectly used by the automobile industry, the steady growth in the automobile industry reflects the growth of Indian rubber industry. The consumption of rubber has increased by 5.97 pc despite high raw material cost, he said. M.F. Vohra, Chairman of Rubber Products Panel, CAPEXIL, said the India rubber expo had grown 25-30 pc since 2001. The expo will have participants from countries such as USA, Germany, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

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