The curtains came down today on the 10th edition of the Indian Rubber Show 2019 here today with the organisers describing it as a successful one that surpassed all expectations in the participation of businesses, countries and visitors. The event witnessed over 27,000 footfalls across a 15,500-square-metres net area that featured participation of 30 countries and 365 companies from around India and globally including two China pavilions — totaling 1200 square metres — comprising over 70 companies.
Vikram Makar, Chairman, IRE 2019, noted that, after witnessing the spectacular participant response to the event, the AIRIA is confident that the Show will usher in a New Era for the Indian Rubber Industry. “This Expo set a new benchmark in the quality of participants comprising of both buyers and sellers, while also attracting a large number of people from associated industries and even government and other institution, besides Defence and Railways, he said.
Makar, who is also the President of AIRIA, believes that IRE 2019 is a marquee event showcasing the Indian Rubber fraternity for the world and is the harbinger of a Renaissance for the Rubber Industry in alignment with the “Make In India” and “Made In India” initiatives of Government.
“From a B2B potential to the current IRE 2019, this show has an exponential growth on business transacted during and after the Expo, with more than trebling in comparison to the previous Indian Rubber Industry’s Expos, he said, adding “The visitor profile was indicative of a qualititative shift in the senior organizational people associated with the Industry who visited the Expo in increased numbers. The interactions between exhibitors and visitors was more focused and result-driven so that it was more visible in the exhibitors feedback.”
Vishnu Bhimrajka, Chief Convenor, IRE 2019, said that the number of footfalls – including participants and visitors — had increased to such an extent that it had surpassed the organisers’ expectations and highlighted the need for organizing such shows to boost the country’s economy.
“This Expo has successfully played a key role as the “Ultimate Networking Platform” for the rubber industry and has set a benchmark of unprecedented levels. The Expo — featuring three important activities at mega-scale level with huge setups – was exciting for the delegates,” he said, adding that these features included: workshops for three days in a 514-mtrs space conducted by eminent faculties like Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association (IRMRA), IIT and RIL.
“The workshops’ various topics included: how to set up rubber factories, rubber compounding, processing and testing including live demonstrations aligned with the select exhibitors; domestic reverse buyer seller meet for three days that drew representatives of Defence, Railways, Infrastructure, Ports, Bridges, Steel and Cement industries, besides others.” He said.
“The three-day International Rubber Conference witnessed 20 techno-commercial papers being presented by eminent speakers from global companies like Exxon Mobil, The Chemours, Arlanxeo, Struktrol, Lords Corporation, Mahindra&Mahindra, John Deere, Ashok Leyland and KPMG, among others. About 500 global delegates attended this conference,” he added.
The IRE 2019 witnessed a special event where the coveted K M Phillip Award was presented to Arvind Poddar, Chairman, Balkrishna Tyres Ltd, jointly by the Chief Guest Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Civil Aviation, and the President of AIRIA Vikram Makar at a special ceremony here.
The Expo had been inaugurated earlier by the Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Civil Aviation, who had aggressively highlighted the country’s efficiency, talent and capability to make India a global leader and self-sufficient economy.
Describing the Rubber Industry as the “Trigger” of economic growth in India, the Minister had noted that this industry had made great strides in impacting several important global markets, where it had made deep inroads.
