Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of the southernmost Indian state of Kerala, has launched a website for the world’s largest expo on coir and natural fibre products Coir Kerala-2013, scheduled to take place in the state’s coir hub of Allapuzha from February 1 to 5 next year.

The Chief Minister said the forthcoming fair will serve as a promotional platform for the coir makers. It aims to strengthen the country’s coir industry and improve the lives of people associated with it.

The third edition of the annual international meet ‘Coir Kerala-2013’ will be attended by more than 200 domestic buyers and over 150 international participants from nearly 75 countries.

A range of coir and natural fibre products, as well as latest technologies in coir processing and machinery, would be showcased at the exhibition.

There would also be seminars and discussions, which would offer insight into the future trends of the coir industry.

Some other entertaining and promotional activities such as competitions for school children and skill contests for coir workers will also be held on the sidelines of the fair.

Coir Kerala 2013 will be jointly organised by the Department of Coir Development and the Government of Kerala and will be coordinated by the National Coir Research & Management Institute (NCRMI).