SL to host Global Rubber Conference in October
- Mega event to bring together 700 delegates of whom 500 will be from overseas representing over 25 countries
By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
The rubber industry is gearing up to come under fresh spotlight this October with Sri Lanka selected to host the Global Rubber Conference (GRC) 2014.
Recognised to be one of world’s leading conferences on natural rubber, the three-day international event will take place from 27 to 30 October in Colombo. Last year the event was hosted in Palembang, Indonesia
Themed ‘Sowing the Seeds for Sustainable Future’, the high calibre forum is expected to serve as a platform for various industry players in the rubber industry to gain further insights on the major challenges and opportunities within the industry, both in a local and global context.
Co-organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEBD) and CONFEXHUB, GRC 2014 is supported by the International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB) and over 20 global government agencies and associations. From the local side the event will be supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Plantation Industries.
The event will bring together 700 experts and delegates of whom 500 will be foreign delegates representing over 25 countries and the remaining 200 will be from Sri Lanka. It will be addressed by 18 eminent guest speakers who represent government agencies, rubber research bodies, rubber associations and commercial companies.
Speaking to Daily FT, SLEDB Chairman Bandula Egodage said the international event will help expose to the world the local rubber industry that has been struggling in the recent times.
“We need to build our credentials and strengthen our product basket. We are looking to shift from being a mere exporter of raw rubber to an exporter of value added rubber products. The Government is discouraging the exports of raw products and is pushing for exports to be value added and that is the right direction.
“An international conference of this nature will not only help Sri Lanka promote its rubber industry but will also help the local players to learn about new technologies, skills development and international best practices that will help to enhance and achieve this much needed value addition,” shared Egodage.
He added that to achieve higher exports in rubber it is imperative for the industry to have market diversification and upgraded technology along with value addition, which the conference will help provide exposure to.
Visiting and local experts of GRC 2014 is expected to discuss a wide spectrum of commercial and R&D developments, share experiences, get updated on the latest trend and technologies transformation and strengthen business relationships.
While the event will bring together both regulatory authorities and commercial players of the rubber world to provide updates on current trends and future challenges faced by the industry, it is objected towards facilitating and exchanging ideas and insight into the global rubber industry.
In addition to presenting unparalleled benefits for business matching potential and investment opportunities in the global non-rubber producing and consuming countries, GRC 2014 aims at delivering the latest applications from global research and development programs through a well-designed sponsorship program and an exhibition.
The conference will also include a study tour, guided field visits to local rubber industries, networking sessions, and business matching.
Last year Sri Lanka hosted a similar event, the Sixth Annual Rubber Conference in October 2013. Held over six days, the conference was attended by more than 120 delegates representing countries such as Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.
