The International Conference, concurrent with Eco-Products International Fair (EPIF) 2011 was attended by over 200 Indian and International delegates. Organized by the National Productivity Council (NPC) and Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) from 10-12 February, the Conference had five plenary sessions and 21 papers adhering contemporary areas of concern on themes that includes sustainable energy and environment, renewable energy and energy efficient technologies, eco-products and green supply chain, climate chain, low carbon growth, eco-finance and eco-business. The Sessions were addressed by Shri J N Godrej, Chief patron, EPIF, Shri Suresh Prabhu, Mr. Teisuke Kitayama, Chairnman, SMBC, Takashi Hongo from JBIC, Mr. Takashki Yamageshi, Senior Executive Advisor, Tejin Ltd., Mr. Ryuichiro Yamazaki, Secretary General, APO, Shri N C Vasudevan, DG,NPC.

The seventh conference was flagged off and transferred ceremoniously to a delegation from Singapore, where the next EPIF will be held. The international experiences shared during the conference related wide ranging themes and are expected to stimulate stakeholders from Indian Industry and policy makers in suitable and customized adoption. The Conference was sponsored by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry supported by Ministry of Environment & Forests, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as a supporting institution.

Earlier, Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, while inaugurating EPIF 2011 here on 10th February, said that India is today 5th largest wind energy producer in the world and 8th in terms of investments made in clean energy technologies. He informed that globally, investments in clean energy have growth by as much as 230% in the last 4 years and are touching US $ 200 billion. “Within the manufacturing sector, we need to pay special focus to the development of green technologies which will be one of the dominant themes over the next 2 decades, providing both challenges of adaptation and opportunities of growth for manufacturing. The market for green products is estimated at nearly US $ 200 billion and is growing at 15% every year”, he said.

The EPIF 2011 provided a platform for international and Indian companies to share knowledge and experience regarding latest eco technologies and marketing venue to showcase the latest eco technologies and eco products to Government, Industries and the Public apart from providing a business platform for buyers and sellers to meet and explore business collaborations. This will help in accelerating eco-knowledge and expansions of green market in India. The EPIF 2011 demonstrated the innovativeness, competitiveness, and marketability of eco-friendly products and services offered by participating enterprises. EPIF showcased the most advanced environmental technologies and provide opportunities to explore green business collaborations besides promoting public awareness on environmentally friendly products and services.

Green technology policy spurred through international fair to advance eco-product markets and industry-government collaboration. Promotion of green technology policy and market development through EPIF 2011 convened government, industry and international bodies to showcase and discuss sustainable energy, renewable and energy efficient technologies, eco-products, green supply chains, low carbon growth and eco-finance; the fair combined plenary knowledge sessions with commercial exhibition to foster buyer-seller linkages, accelerate technology adoption, and expand the eco-products market with institutional support from central ministries and productivity organisations.