The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), a London-based inter governmental agency, plans to organise a roundtable conference of all stakeholders to address the problems likely to emerge in the natural rubber industry, said Hidde P Smit, secretary general, IRSG. | |
| A preparatory meeting of the proposed roundtable will be held during the IRSG annual assembly in April at Kuala Lumpur, he said. |
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| A taskforce constituted by the world body has suggested holding a roundtable to address issues such as possible shortage, volatility in prices and substitution of natural rubber by synthetic rubber, he said. |
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| These are the major problems likely to be faced by the natural rubber sector in the coming days, Smit said. |
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| The International Rubber Study Group believes largescale substitution of natural rubber with synthetic rubber would be detrimental for both farmers as well as the environment. |
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| Confidence over the use of natural rubber has to be restored among various sections to avoid such a situation, Smit said. Appropriate information, good statistics on demand and supply and accurate forecasting are essential for this, he added. |
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| "We are conducting studies on forecasting for the countries of Asia that would provide a detailed and clear idea of future demand and supply," Smit said. |
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| A similar exercise would be undertaken for Europe and the US "We hope to complete the exercise by January," he said. |
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| After ceasing to be a member of the global body in 2000 following difference of opinion, India is considering a proposal to rejoin the forum. |
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| Founded in 1944, International Rubber Study Group currently has 16 countries, besides the European Commission, as members. |
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