World's biggest coir trade fair begins in the city

The world's biggest trade fair on coir and natural fibres began here today, with participation of around 170 buyers from 53 countries, including the US, Russia, Africa and many European countries.
The five-day Coir Kerala 2015 at this quaint town, also referred to as the 'Venice of the East' for its unique network of criss-crossing canals, brings together scientists, researchers and policy makers to discuss strategies and new projects to create jobs, improve the conditions of workers, increase productivity and earnings across the industry.
Coir Kerala is believed to be a significant contributor to the annual increase in revenues from coir exports.

In 2013-14, coir exports were worth around Rs 1,476 crore, up from Rs 1,116 crore in 2012-13 and Rs 1,052 crore in 2011-12, respectively.
Kerala is looking to increase the export of coir products to Rs 2,500 crore by 2016-17.
This year, the fair has attracted buyers from America, Russia and many European countries which are traditionally strong markets for Kerala's coir products.

Latin American and African nations have sent large number of delegations to Coir Kerala 2015. African countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are taking part in the fair.
Besides, it has around 300 domestic buyers and thousands of coir workers in an around Alappuzha who are participating to explore business avenues.

The exclusive business exhibition for delegates has an international pavilion with around 100 stalls and a national pavilion with 150 stalls. There will also be a general exhibition featuring 275 exhibitors, of which 50 are from outside the state.
Coir Kerala 2015 has also introduced modern coir products and machineries designed by the National Coir Research and Management Institute (NCRMI) to improve productivity in the sector.
The Thiruvananthapuram-based organisation is the coordinating agency for the event.
Ministers and top state-level officials will attend the international seminars scheduled on February 2 and 3 and the national seminar on February 4.
The key buyer-seller meet will be held on February 3 to facilitate one-to-one interactions.

On the concluding day, MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra and Kerala Revenue and Coir Minister Adoor Prakash will interact with the coir industry workers to discuss their issues and concerns.