The Chennai-based Voluntary Health Education and Rural Development Society (VHERDS), the NGO promoted by the Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth and the Federation of Indian Herbal Industries (FIHI) have joined hands with the organizers of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Expo exhibition held in London on 24 and 25th of October 2004 to set up an exclusive 'Indian Herbal Pavilion'.

Touted as the largest of its kind exhibition in UK, the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Expo is held at the renowned ExCel Exhibition and Conference Centre at Docklands, London. The event will attract over 8000 key visitors comprising importers, traders, industry leaders, complimentary practitioners, therapists, doctors, specialists, physicians, naturopathy experts, and various professionals committed to the concept of healthcare and herbal medicines, said sources.

Sources said UK represents one among the biggest markets for complimentary therapies and natural healthcare products, with a sales forecast of 5 billion pounds within the next five years. The exhibition is set to become the central point of focus for the entire industry, presenting suppliers with a dedicated marketplace to showcase their herbal products.

Sources said the organizers of the Indian herbal pavilion would invite select pre-qualified buyers from some of the largest retail chains, specialist natural products stores and pharmacy chains, besides arranging buyer-seller meets.

Sources said the Department of AYUSH of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare would reimburse 25 per cent of the total expenses incurred up to a maximum of Rs 1 lakh per exhibitor, having GMP certified manufacturing capabilities. The applications in the prescribed format have to be applied earlier, said sources.