THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s ‘golden fibre’ is definitely making inroads into Africa and Latin America, going by the number of international participants from these regions at this year’s Coir Kerala 2012. Nearly 100 representatives from over 35 countries, and more than 120 domesticexhibitors have al ready registered for the biggest trade event of its kind, which will be on from February 4 to 9 in Alappuzha.“The growing shift towards eco-friendly consumer and industrial products presents a world of opportunity for coir.With Coir Kerala 2012, we want to make sure domestic manufacturers have the opportunity to take advantage of the global green movement,” said Adoor Prakash, Minister for Coir.Although only in its second edition now, Coir Kerala has already given a huge fillip to the growth of the industry, considered a strong traditional segment of Kerala’s economy. Last year the event generated business worth more than `20 crore from direct sales and new orders. Kerala’s Department of Coir expects revenues from this year’s event to be even higher, with buyers coming in from potentially huge and new markets.“Buyers from African nations are showing great interest in coir products. We have participants from countries such as South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia registering for Coir Kerala for the first time,” said Adoor Prakash.With the coir industry targeting exports worth ` 1,000 crore and domestic revenues of nearly `2,000 crore this year, Coir Kerala 2012 forms an important part of the promotional strategy. In Europe, which has traditionally been a strong market for coir products, more countries, such as Croatia, Ireland, Bulgaria, France and Sweden, are showing interest in the trade fair.
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