The 7th edition of the India Rubber Meet, a biennial 2-day event jointly organised by the Rubber Board and stakeholders in the rubber value chain, kicked off today in Guwahati. The meet, an initiative of the Indian rubber industry, aims to provide a regular forum for interaction, networking, and exchange of information. Anshuman Singhania, Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA), inaugurated the event, while Dr. Sawar Dhanania, Chairman of the Rubber Board, delivered the theme address.
The theme for this year's meeting is "Natural Rubber- Changing Landscape, Emerging Trends, and Insights for Tomorrow". The event will delve into various aspects of the global outlook on the commodity sector, challenges and opportunities in the natural rubber sector, sustainability in the supply chain, and perspectives of the tyre and non-tyre industry, latest trends in the mobility sector, commodity prices, and emerging trends in synthetic rubber. Eminent personalities from the rubber and allied sectors are participating as speakers.
Key challenges faced by the industry include price volatility, economic concerns, global warming, and climate change. Shifting cultivation from traditional areas to other landscapes demands careful planning and adaptation to the new environment. Rubber cultivation and allied sectors are highly vulnerable to economic, social, and environmental changes. A new trend is emerging in all-natural rubber-producing countries, including India. The discussions at the meeting are expected to help stakeholders formulate appropriate strategies to address the concerns of all sections of the rubber value chain.
The India Rubber Meet 2024 offers a valuable opportunity to hear insights from global experts on the prospects of the rubber industry. Panel discussions on "Challenges and Opportunities from Stakeholder's Perspective" and "Natural Synergy of Allied Industries and MSME in the Rubber Sector" will be led by industry experts. Today's session will focus on "Natural Rubber and Commodity Sector in 2024 and Near Term Outlook", "Natural Rubber: Global Integration and Country Specific Response to Sectoral Challenges", and "Circularity in Tyre Industry- Emerging Regulatory Framework and Industry Engagement". Tomorrow's session will explore the "Economic and Commodity Outlook", followed by panel discussions on topics such as "Challenges & Opportunities from Stakeholder's Perspective" and "Natural Synergy of Allied Industries and MSME in the Rubber Sector - Focus North East".