The fifth edition of the Coir Kerala 2015, touted as the world's biggest annual trade event on coir and natural fibres, will begin in Alappuzha district on February 1.
As many as 170 foreign buyers and 300 domestic buyers are expected to take part in the five-day-event this year with a representation from 46 countries.
Initiated by the state government, Coir Kerala programme is envisaged to revitalise the coir sector by boosting production and export.
Addressing a press meet here today, Minister for Revenue and Coir Adoor Prakash said the event would bring together scientists, researchers and policy makers to discuss strategies and new projects to create jobs, improve condition of workers, increase productivity and earnings across the industry.
"The event will be a good platform for producers and exporters to explore marketing opportunities around the globe. Besides the foreign and domestic buyers, thousands of coir workers in and around Alappuzha district will also participate in the event," he said.
Besides the business exhibition, introduction of modern coir products and machines designed by the National Coir Research and Management Institute would be another major highlight of the Coir Kerla, he said.
The international and national seminars, being held as part of the event, would be attended by ministers and top level officials, he said.
Quoting figures, the minister said Coir Kerala had been a significant contributor to the annual increase in revenues from coir exports.
In 2013-14, coir exports were worth around Rs 1,476 crore which was Rs 1,116 crore in 2012-13 and 1,052 crore in 2011-12, he said adding that the state was looking to increase the export of coir products to Rs 2,500 crore by 2016-17.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would inaugurate the event at the EMS stadium in Alappuzha while Union Minister for MSME Kalraj Mishra would inaugurate the closing ceremony on February 5, the minister said.
Over 2.5 lakh people are working in the coir and allied sectors in Kerala.
