VIETNAM calls on the Indian rubber industry to invest in the country and benefit from its natural rubber sector. Currently, Vietnam’s rubber consumption comprises only 15% of the more than 9 lakh tonnes of locally produced rubber.
Recently, members of the Vietnam Rubber Association (VRA), led by chairman Tran Ngoc Thuan, visited India and discussed business with members of All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).
Vietnam is the second largest exporter of NR to India after Indonesia. Vietnam’s rubber exports to India increased 82.38% from 28113.95 tonnes in 2011-12 to 51273.13 tonnes in 2012-13.
Being a fore running NR producer, Vietnam produces 1,707 kg of rubber per hectare.
“Vietnam has targeted 1.2 million tonnes of rubber production and increase in domestic consumption from current 15% to 40%. Vietnam has asked for strengthening business ties with Indian rubber industry and help scale up rubber manufacturing in Vietnam”, said Niraj Thakkar, AIRIA president, adding that the association is are working out the feasibility of a delegation to Vietnam soon to foster closer ties with the latter.