The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), in collaboration with Rawal Medherbs Pvt Ltd and Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association (ADMA), is organizing a two-day workshop on latest trends, opportunities and prospects of natural products market in USA.. The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) is the co-organiser for the workshop to be held at New Delhi from April 4, 2008.

The workshop - Understanding the USA Natural Products Market - Data, Opportunity, Approach Strategy and Regulatory - is conducted as the part of Herbal International Summit and Expo on Medicinal, Aromatic Products and Spices (Hi-MAPS) at Pragati Maidan. The conference will focus on the trends, scientific developments, market, raw material certification etc, to create a global business-to-business platform and to encourage knowledge sharing among stakeholders by updating on emerging scientific and technological platforms, according to the organizers.

"The delegates should look forward to information and exposure in accessing the US market, understanding opportunities and market segments, firming up brand launch strategies, options in promotion of products, understanding opportunities in supply of botanical extracts and active ingredients, information on Trade Shows, regulatory environment and all in all, an exposure to a different facet or if we may say the coming future of "herbal sector" in India," said Ranjith Puranik, general secretary, ADMA.

The workshop will cover topics including botanical drug opportunities in USA - supportive stepwise process, herbs cultivation, technical research and market potential for phyto pharmaceuticals in EU, the market size and segments in nutritional industry finished products and raw material, regulatory information about DSHEA mean for Indian exports, strategic options for entry into USA market and the key Areas to consider in individual company's USA business plan. A panel discussion, 'Key Issues going forward: China Quality Issues: Boon or Bane in India,' will also be conducted at the end of second day conference. Eminent national and international speakers would address the issues with industry perspective, said the organizers.