According to the exhibition’s organisers, this year’s show will host more exhibitors than the last event in 2007, despite the economic turbulence in global markets. In fact, the expo has attracted new interest from commodities specialists including the Singapore-based Phillips Futures and the Singapore Commodity Exchange. “There has been a fantastic demand for space, especially since the start of the year, which makes us very optimistic that the exhibition will buck the trend of cautious trading and investment seen in many other markets,” explained Paul Farrant, managing director for event organiser ECI International.

Other recently confirmed exhibitors include Chinese companies Aeolus, Allen Iron, Lap Laser Application, Roadmax, Qingdao Qizhou, Dongying Zhengyu Wheel Company and the Iron Steel Company. DM Marketing, Intercontinental Marketing Corp and Tire Curing Bladders are US companies new to the show. Export-hungry Chinese suppliers have reportedly also been keen to secure a presence at Tyrexpo Asia, making up the largest contingent from a single country, but with businesses from 32 countries represented there will be a true international feel to the event.

More than 130 exhibitors will be on show in the Singapore Expo centre, representing tyre and rubber manufacturers, distributors, retreaders, equipment and service suppliers from around the globe, including first-time exhibitors from Vietnam, Belarus and Lithuania. The Singapore-based International Rubber Study Group is staging its prestigious World Rubber Summit alongside the exhibition. Keynote speakers at the Summit will include, among others, Dr. RP Singhania, CEO of J.K.Tyres, India; Adam Jones from Goodyear, Singapore; Fan Rende, president of the China Rubber Industry Association; and Jeffrey Currie, managing director of Goldman Sachs, UK.

The IRSG World Rubber Summit will take place March 23 and 24. Entry to the expo is free of charge for trade visitors. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)