Since the natural rubber (NR) sector is highly sensitive to the trends in economic growth, developments in oil and synthetic rubber sectors, end-use sector developments and currency fluctuations, a united effort among the producing countries is essential for the growth of the sector, said Sajen Peter, chairman, Rubber Board. He was inaugurating the 33rd assembly meeting of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) here on Friday.
Peter also observed that the ANRPC is an ideal platform for the united movement of rubber producing countries and the Association had made creative contributions for the development of global NR cultivation. The primary task of ANRPC had been promotion of cooperation in developmental activities. However, there had been a pronounced shift in the focus of the organisation to provide reliable, accurate and timely information related to the sector.
James Jacob, vice-chairman, International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), said that both the organisations can move together in studies related to climate change and utilisation of development projects.
Stephen V Evans, secretary-general, International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), said that reliable information was equally essential for the development of both the consumption and production sector and that the meaningful relation between ANRPC and IRSG should be utilised for the growth of both the sectors.
Yium Tavarolit, acting chief executive officer, International Rubber Consortium (IRCo), said that strengthening of the tripartite association of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- the three leading NR producing countries -- was essential for ensuring stability of NR market.
Vietnam Rubber Group's acting chairman Le Quang Thung chaired the conference. Djoko S Damardjati, secretary-general, ANRPC, delivered the introductory speech. Viju Chacko, finance director, Rubber Board and Chairman of the organising committee welcomed the gathering.
The Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of ANRPC. The association is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1970 and at present has 11 member countries namely Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. The member countries of the Association account for around 92 per cent of natural rubber production in the world.