IRE 2007 from Jan 17 to 20

Chennai, Dec 22 (UNI) 'India Rubber Expo 2007' (IRE), Asia's largest rubber show, will be held here from January 17 to 20.

The event, expected to boost India's export by 15 to 20 per cent, would be organised by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) and Chemical and Allied Product Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) of the Ministry of Commerce.

Talking to reporters IRE Chairman Anil Sampat said about 40 papers would be presented by the 'who's who' of the global rubber industry displaying latest trends in rubber processing, at the 4th edition of the international exhibition and conference.

Rubber machinery, automotive components and plantation sectors would be the three focus areas of the exhibition, he added.

He said keeping pace with the economy, the Indian rubber industry was expanding fast and growing annually at over 25 per cent.

About 250 exhibitors, majority from abroad would play host to 10,000 visitors who would be attending the show to buy, sell, exchange notes or have joint ventures across different sectors of manufacturing, machinery and plantation, he added.

Mr Sampat said the business to be transacted at the EXPO 2007 was expected to exceed USD 500 million.

Stating that India would emerge a major global auto player in next three years, he said with 45 per cent of all rubbers being used in tyres and another 15 to 20 per cent in channels, wipers, door biddings and under the hood rubber parts, the automobile industry had become the pillar for the rubber industry.

UNI AKN GKT 1855