Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28 (IANS) The second edition of the International Coir Festival has seen registration from 35 countries, which includes many African nations for the first time, a minister said Saturday.

“Buyers from African nations are showing great interest in coir products. We have participants from countries such as South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia for the first time,” said Adoor Prakash, state minister for coir.

The six-day festival will be held at Alappuzha, often referred to as the home of Kerala coir, from Feb 4.

Besides expositions by manufacturers, the event will host various seminars and panel discussions which will bring together policymakers, industry representatives and academicians to discuss the latest developments that can drive the growth of coir and natural fibres sector.

“Even within Europe, which has traditionally been a strong market for coir products, more countries such as Croatia, Ireland, Bulgaria, France and Sweden are showing interest in the trade fair. These nations are emerging as strong export markets for non-conventional coir products,” said Prakash.

“South America is represented this year by participants from Columbia, while Mauritius and China are also potential new markets,” added Prakash.

The first edition of the festival saw business worth over Rs.20 crore from direct sales and new orders.

“Eco-friendly and non-conventional items such as geo-textiles and coir pith are finding great demand overseas,” said Department of Coir special secretary Rani George.

The department recently signed a deal with Saudi Arabia for the export of geo-textiles. Middle East nations keen to manage their scarce water resources are also showing interest in coir pith which can be used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer.

The coir industry is targeting exports worth Rs.1,000 crore and domestic revenues of nearly Rs.2,000 crore this year.

“The growing shift towards eco-friendly consumer and industrial products presents a world of opportunity for coir. With Coir Kerala 2012, we want to make sure domestic manufacturers have the opportunity to take advantage of the global green movement,” said Prakash.