Date:25/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/25/stories/2006022503011400.htm

Back India back in IRSG

Vipin V. Nair

Kochi , Feb 24

India has decided to rejoin the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), a London-based think-tank on global rubber sector, after a gap of nearly six years.

IRSG said the Indian Government would join the group on April 1 this year.

"Rejoining IRSG will get us the direct advantage of accessing research done on the aspects of rubber consumption," said Mr Sajen Peter, Chairman of the Rubber Board. He said India was already a member of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), which is focused on issues relating to production.

"The consumption aspect is equally important, which IRSG looks into," he said.

With India joining IRSG, the country's industry will now be eligible for discounts in membership fees.

The Indian rubber sector would also able to use the IRSG platform to participate in global discussions on rubber, he said.

Founded in 1944, IRSG currently has 16 countries and the European Commission as contributing members. All major natural rubber producing countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are members.