Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) The Indian toy industry is all set to take the ‘go green’ mantra for the safety of children as the fifth toy exhibition got underway here Saturday.

Toy Biz International, India’s biggest business-to-business toy expo, was inaugurated by the union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Virbhadra Singh.

Toy Association of India (TAI) president Raj Kumar said: “The Indian toy industry, which withstood the difficult years due to the influx of Chinese toys, has resolved to become much stronger.”

“Most of the small medium enterprises are on the growth path by implementing modern technology, upgrading present infrastructure with a lot of emphasis on designing and safety,” he added.

The toy industry in the country is growing by 30 percent has also launched the campaign “We Care” for safety and stronger guidelines on eco-friendly designs at the three-day fair.

TAI has also roped in member industries to bring in mandatory safety standards for the industry.

“This year is going to mark a strong comeback for the Indian industry as the entire industry is really focused on manufacturing ’safe toys’. Green toys will be one of the important agendas as exhibitors will display a range of eco-friendly toys and games,” Kumar said.

The association has also initiated various steps to help the industry improve their standard as well as market them well.

“Among our various initiatives are design awareness programmes and toy safety guidelines to boost the industry. As a result, very soon there will be mandatory safety standards for the toy industry — the first time in the world,” he added.

TAI has also tied up international organisers, including Spielwarenmesse eG, Germany, organisers of world’s largest toy show to support the exhibition internationally under the banner — World of Toys.

According to Indo-German Chamber of Commerce marketing and trade fairs director Sonia Prashar, Spielwarenmesse eG is bringing a group of international manufacturers to display their products at the expo.

“As Germany is the global leader in environment-friendly technology and solutions, the German companies can provide innovative solutions in reducing waste, providing green material for toys, knowledge on toy safety standards,” Prashar.

The expo is also supported domestically by The All India Toy Manufacturer Association (TAITMA) and Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC).