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NT Bureau
Chennai, Jan 17:
 
 

AIRIA president K T Thomas with Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G K Vasan at the inauguration of four- day India Rubber Expo 2007.  Apollo Tyres' JMD Neeraj Kanwar is also seen.

        The domestic rubber industry is growing at a rapid pace and India has become the third largest producer of natural rubber in the world, Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G K Vasan said today.

        Inaugurating the 4th International Exhibition and Conference, considered Asia's largest exposition on the rubber industry titled 'India Rubber Expo 2007' at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, the Minister said, 'India is one of the key players in rubber industry, globally'.

        Referring to the various global automobile companies like General Motors, Ford and Hyundai who have set up their manufacturing facilities in the State, Vasan said rubber companies should take cue from them and set up shop here.

        Quoting Anil Krishnadas Sampat, Chairman of India Rubber Expo 2007, who had said in an interview that there had been 50 per cent increase in terms of revenue, exhibitor space, delegates at this year's expo as compared to the same conducted in 2005, the Minister appreciated him him for being responsible for such rapid growth.

        With reference to the various companies from a dozen companies, which are participating, the Union Minister hoped that through this expo, business opportunities for India with these countries would expand.

        He also expressed confidence that in the years to come, the rubber industry would go from strength to strength especially by the efforts taken by All India Rubber Industry Association (AIRIA).

        On the occasion, the K M Phillip Award was presented to Anil Sampat for his outstanding contribution for the growth of rubber industry in India. The award carries a citation, a cash prize of Rs two lakh and a gold medal.

        Later, a directory on the exposition, giving details about the participating companies was released by Vasan.

        Neeraj Kanwar, joint managing director, Apollo Tyres Ltd,

        K T Thomas, president, AIRIA and officials of several rubber companies were also present.

        Over 250 stalls have been put up at the venue and some of the countries participating are the USA, Germany, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand.