With an objective to understand, appreciate and sharpen the contours of the evolving face of colorants and their significant role in accelerating India's economic growth through value addition for its diverse user industries, a two-day conference on Contribution of Colorants to Indian Economic Growth - 2008 would be held The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai from March 10, 2008.

The conference, organised by the Dyestuff Manufacturers Association of India (DMAI) and Federation of Indian Chambers and Commerce and Industry (FICCI) jointly with Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India, will also provide stimulus for further improvements and new developments in the industry which constantly faces changing user needs.

"This Conference on "Contribution of Colorants to Indian Economic Growth" is being held for the 1st time in India and will involve a dialogue between the colorant industry and the end user," said Janak Mehta, president, DMAI.

"Increasing production and usage of colorants has raised safety, health and environmental concerns. Colorant manufacturers are increasingly becoming conscious of their social obligations and requirements for sustainable growth and adopting cleaner technologies. All these facets will be covered in the conference," added Mehta.

Industry luminaries from BASF, Walmart, GAP, Marks & Spencer, Cadbury, Britannia, Lupin Pharma, Unilever, Godrej, Cavin Care, GE, Moser Baer and Clariant would participate in the conference.

The programme would cover perspectives in textile retailing, opportunities and gaps in textile manufacturing, global scenario in leather and paper, strategies for growth in coatings, challenges in the consumer care industry and emerging trends in plastic and high tech applications.