Date:22/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/22/stories/2005022201711700.htm

Back Rubber sector should tap export market, says CII

Our Correspondent

Madurai , Feb. 21

INDIA is the third largest producer of natural rubber in the world and has immense export potential and the industry should seize the opportunity to tap at least $500 billion foreign trade available for it, according to Mr T.T. Ashok, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Tamil Nadu.

Addressing a one-day conference-cum-exposition on `Madurai Rubber - 2005,' organised by the CII, Madurai zone, here, Mr Ashok said America produced synthetic rubber as it could not produce natural rubber. But the synthetic rubber could not replace the natural one in all sectors. It requires natural rubber for certain areas.

The Indian industry should rise to the occasion and grab the opportunity, step up the exports and reap the full benefits.

In the process, it should not forget the domestic requirements, which is increasing of late. To ensure better performance on the export and domestic sectors, the industry should devise appropriate sourcing measures without brooking any delay, as the market would not wait for anyone.

Viable alternative marketing strategy should be evolved in order to exploit the full potential and remain on the top, he added.

Inaugurating the Conference, Mr T. Kannan, past chairman of CII, (Southern Region), deplored the present scenario of `significantly low' investments in the industrial activities in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and said the pace of industrial development is slow as the industry is yet to realise the scope for immense growth in the southern parts of the State.

While the northern district flourished, the southern districts languished for funds and lagged behind in industrial development.

A study undertaken by him, he said, has revealed that there is tremendous scope for industrial development in the sectors of tourism, rubber, textiles and garments etc, in the southern districts which also has good infrastructure, proximity to the port at Tuticorin, good labour force, hydel and wind power generation projects.

What is needed is the commitment to promote the industrial growth in the south he said and suggested the establishment of an apparel park in Sivakasi to provide alternate employment to poor women and eliminate child labour.

The Chairman of the Conference, Mr K. Gopalan, stressed on the importance of technological upgradation as a vital tool for achieving success in any venture.