International authentication conference in Delhi next month

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) The Authentication Solutions Providers Association (ASPA) on Friday announced it will host India's first international conference on authentication solutions here on February 8-9.

The event would be held in association with trade fair organisers Messe Frankfurt India, at a time when the demonetisation drive has put the focus on the menace of counterfeiting.

"Spurred by rising cases of infringements, adulteration, foray of counterfeit products in India, Authentication Solutions Providers Association (ASPA) has joined hands with Messe Frankfurt India (MFI) to host India's first International exhibition cum conference on authentication solutions," ASPA said in a release here.

"The forum aims to raise awareness and bring together industry stakeholders and decision-making bodies at a platform to analyze the problem of counterfeiting in the country and provide the solutions to combat this menace," it said.

"According to sources, from counterfeiting activity, the Government of India incurred the loss of Rs 26,190 crore in 2011-12, which has increased to Rs 39,239 crore in 2013-14, reflecting a growth of 49.8 per cent in two years," ASPA President U.K. Gupta said in the statement.

"Counterfeiting is a multi-billion-dollar business today and referred as to as the crime of 21st century. Even, the established link between terrorism and counterfeiting is exposed," he added.

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India MD Raj Manek said: "We have been committed to taking steps for protection against brand and product piracy through our 'Messe Frankfurt against Copying' campaign."

"In India, we have extended this initiative to the auto and pharma sectors through our trade fairs and conferences," he added.