...that exhibitors and visitors may have had upon arrival at the show. This optimistic mood was also strengthened by the positive economic measures coming out of the G20 Meeting taking place in London at the same time.

The APLF/MM&T Fair Grounds

Mr. Duck’s assessment was spot on.

According to the verified figures, visitor numbers for MM&T and concurrent fair Fashion Access totaled almost 30,000 this March, an optimistic number considering today’s grim global economy. Traditionally, the results at APLF set the trend for the coming year and the 2009 fair could well bear this out.

While 2009 saw overall fewer visitors compared to last year, there were increased numbers reported from important markets such as Spain, the Middle East, Thailand, Pakistan and some South American countries including Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela.  

Visitor numbers tell one story but perception tells another. As Mr. Agha Saiddain of the Pakistan Tanners Association remarked, “The number of buyers who have visited our pavilion is higher than the number who came last year.”

In a similar vein, Mr. Lemi Tolunay, Chairman of the Turkish Leatehr Council observed, “Many new customers are here since they believe that the leather industry has a bright future.”

This year, more than ever, the Organisers pushed for building a strong business-focused environment by facilitating greater networking opportunities between quality buyers and exhibitors.  

Mr. Duck noted, “We saw on fair grounds that numerous people were conducting real business. To me this is a true measure of trade show success.” 

As buyer Mr. Baojing Yang, General Manger of Guangzhou Chengbang Shoes Manufactory Co., Ltd noted, “The product categories are better than last year. We can find more varieties of products. The designs of them can even compare with Europe. APLF–MM&T is doing a great job in such a difficult year.”

The registration queues at the APLF

APLF as the world stage for the leather industry

Just as the opening press conference was packed with the international trade press, an equally important press conference took place the following day concerning ACLE 2009 to be held in Shanghai from 2 - 4 September. 

APLF organise this fair jointly with the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) and at this conference Mr. Su Chaoying, Secretary General of CLIA announced that as of that day, April 1st 2009, that VAT and taxes on leather imported into China would be reduced to zero and that export tax rebates to Chinese exporters of leather products - excluding footwear - would be adjusted from 5% to 13%. This is extremely important news to boost the international leather trade at all levels in these challenging times.

To announce such measures at a press conference at APLF clearly illustrates the perception of the CLIA of APLF as being the “world stage”, which was also highlighted by the round table discussion held on April 2nd on “The hide market crash and its influence on the future of the leather industry”.

The discussion was moderated by Ron Sauer, the international leather market expert, ex adviser to the United Nations and editor of the renowned The Sauer Report. 

Ron Sauer Round Table

The importance of this discussion was illustrated by the presence of all the major players in the international hide market; China, United States, India and Brazil. Taking place at APLF, the “Global Meeting Place for the International Leather Industry”, the discussion was aptly held at the center of the leather industry’s international market place.

A full report on this landmark meeting and an audio interview with Ron Sauer will be published with the purpose of giving an overview on what was discussed with insights and details on this topic, vital for the global leather industry.

From Raw Materials to Textiles, Apparel and Fashion
By holding MM&T, Fashion Access and Prime Source Forum concurrently, the Organisers are offering value at every level.

“All the processes in the value chain are closely interrelated,” Mr. Duck explained. “During these hard times it has become apparent how important it is for a business to consider the effects and outcomes of each and every step. This kind of information is close at hand at our vertically-integrated fairs.” 

“Additionally, our successful Prime Source Forum, which focuses on apparel and textiles, demonstrates how connected we are within industries that parallel the leather and fashion accessories sectors.”

Exotic Skins at the MM&T

(30/4/2009)