The International Rubber Association (IRA) was inaugurated in Ottawa, Canada on September 24, 1971, through the cooperation of rubber associations in both producing and consuming countries. Currently, the IRA consists of 20 members from 13 countries. The Thai Rubber Association is one of the initial members and a member of the Management Committee. With a term of 2 years, IRA is led by 8 Management Committee members, 4 of which are member associations from producing countries, while the other 4 are those from consuming countries. The objectives of IRA are to formulate rubber trade practices, to prepare international rubber contracts, to foster international cooperation on rubber production, trade, and consumption among producing and consuming countries; to collectively solve any problems in connection with the international rubber trade; and to facilitate continuous improvement in the international rubber trade. Currently, the IRA secretariat office is located at the Thai Rubber Association (TRA), Hat Yai, Songkhla.

The International Rubber Association (IRA) is internationally recognized for its significant role in the global rubber trade community. As the Thai Rubber Association resumes IRA chairmanship for the term 2021–2023, Mr. Paul Sumade Lee has assumed the post of IRA Chairman together with Mr. Supadetch Ongsakul as the Executive Secretary. Furthermore, the Thai Rubber Association has continuously joined as a member of the management committee and plays a significant role in developing the International Rubber Association to be recognized internationally. IRA arranges the management committee meeting once a year and a biennial general meeting, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no physical meeting in 2022. However, the IRA secretariat continuously sends interesting news and useful information to IRA members.

On behalf of the Thai Rubber Association (TRA), I would like to thank Mr. Paul Sumade Lee, IRA Chairman, and Mr. Supadetch Ongsakul, IRA Executive Secretary, as well as the IRA secretariat for always delivering excellent organizational management to great success. I hope that IRA will always be an important part of the cooperation between producing and consuming countries to develop the global rubber industry with sustainability.

Mr.Chaiyos Sincharoenkul

President

The Thai Rubber Association