Mr. Kwan Ming Dee
President
Philippine Rubber Industries Association

On behalf of The Philippines Rubber Industry Association, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all speakers, exhibitors, delegates and visitors to ASEAN Rubber Conference 2008. We would also like to congratulate and thank the organizers for choosing Manila as host city for the 4th series of conference and exhibition to be held from 5 – 7 June, 2008.

In the recent report published by the International Rubber Study Group after the last ASEAN Rubber Conference in Cambodia, it is reported that the world rubber consumption is now forecast to reach 31.8 million tones by 2020 – representing an increase of around 10 million tones compared to 2006. To meet the future market demand, sustainable growth is important and beneficial to both the producers and consumers. Hence, we urged all natural rubber producers and consumers to collectively find sustainable measures and development perspectives that will enable smallholders in the rubber-producing countries to be encouraged to grow rubber, while consumers would be reassured of sustainable and adequate supply of natural rubber.

To achieve sustainable growth, the Philippine Rubber Industries Association noted the key issues are the future challenges facing by the whole rubber industry, the global supply and demand fluctuations, and maintaining of fair prices for next 10 or 20 years in the face of escalating crude oil prices.

As such, I am therefore pleased to support the initiative taken by NextVIEW Group in organizing the ARC 2008 in Manila. We trust that 2008 ASEAN Rubber Conference focused on "Status and Emerging Trends of the Natural Rubber Industry in the Current Global Economic Situation" will further enhance the developments of natural rubber industry and promote interactivity among all sectors in the rubber industry. On the Philippines rubber front, we believe this conference will act as a catalyst to support growth on the plantation sector as well as promote further developments in the manufacturing sector.

Last but not least, I wish the ASEAN Rubber Conference 2008 a tremendous success and to all delegates for a successful and rewarding experience. To our overseas delegates, a memorable stay in Manila.

MR. KWAN MING DEE
PRESIDENT, PHILIPPINE RUBBER INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION