The Secretariat of the International Conference on Kenaf and Allied Fibres is organizing a 3-day International Conference with the theme: “Viable Biobres for Future” from the 1st - 3rd of December 2009. The main organizers of this event are the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), National Tobacco Board of Malaysia (NTB) and International Jute Study Group (IJSG) in collaboration with related government and 6 industrial partners and research institute. The conference is held in conjunction with the observance of the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF) 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

It is expected that this initiative will contribute to the creation of an international framework to support awareness about the multiple benets that are intrinsically linked to the use of biobres such as kenaf, jute, ramie, ax, hemp and oil palm. Special attention will be given to technological developments, opportunities for socio- economical growth and practices for the valuation of environmental benets linked to the use of natural bres.

The conference will be conducted in English and will address to those involved in the eld of natural bres: policy makers, academics, scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs. The key objectives are to provide a forum for discussion and to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information on the latest development and ndings in kenaf and allied bres. The conference set the platform to promote and strengthen further cooperation and networking amongst researchers, experts, suppliers and manufacturers. There will also be an exhibition products from kenaf and allied bre products at the conference venue.

Main Organizer:

UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA (UPM), Malaysia

UPM is an international repute university and a leading centre of learning and research in new tropical agriculture. In this event, UPM will be represented by the Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP). INTROP is a referral and R&D on tropical biocomposites and forest canopy management. The activities of the institute are governed and driven by the willingness to develop new technologies for an environmental friendly and sustainable management of bioresources. Visit www.upm.edu.my for more details about UPM and www.introp.upm.edu.my for information about INTROP.

MALAYSIAN TIMBER INDUSTRY BOARD (MTIB), Malaysia

MTIB is a statutory body accredited to the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities of Malaysia that promotes and coordinates the overall development of the Malaysian timber industry. MTIB, through Fibre and Biocomposite Development Centre (FIDEC) is responsible for initiating development of the various sectors of the timber industry and providing technical, marketing and other forms of assistance to ensure their continued growth within a rapidly industrialising Malaysian economy. The newly established Fibre and Biocomposite Development Centre (FIDEC) will assist the industry to establish links and smart partnerships with universities, research institutes and government department and agencies to accelerate the application of reserach findings into commercial manufacturing of biocomposite products. For more information, visit www.mtib.gov.my

NATIONAL TOBACCO BOARD OF MALAYSIA (NTB),Malaysia

NTB is a statutory body accredited to the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities of Malaysia that is responsible to develop and promote kenaf industry in Malaysia. NTB is assigned to coordinate kenaf R&D in both upstream and downstream industries. Visit www.ltn.gov.my for more details about the agency.

INTERNATIONAL JUTE STUDY GROUP (IJSG), Bangladesh

IJSG based in Dhaka, Bangladesh is an intergovernmental body set up under the aegis of United Nations of Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to function as the International Commodity Body (ICB) for Jute, Kenaf and other Allied Fibres. The country members of IJSG include governments of Bangladesh, India, Switzerland, and the European Community representing 27 member countries. Visit www.jute.org.

Last Update : 3 Nov 2009