LAHORE: People thronged the 9th mega international leather show-2024 that concluded at the Expo Centre.

Started on Jan 26, the show attracted a number of people representing the local industry, delegates from China, Italy and other countries and the public.

Besides witnessing 60 delegates from China, headed by Mr Liusuilong, the chairman of the Gaundang Footwear Association, the event organised by the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association and the Pakistan Tanners Association witnessed convergence of industry leaders, symbolising unity and collaboration within the leather sector.

“This time, we, for the first time, have received more than 60 delegates from China to collaborate with Pakistan to boost the leather industry in Pakistan by shifting their units due to labour rates and availability of adequate raw material on cheaper rate here,” said Ahmad Fawad Farooq, the general secretary of the PFMA.

“It is surprising that Pakistan, which has more than 75,000 units in cottage industry and more than 170 industrial units in formal leather goods’ and is the 7th largest shoe manufacturing country in the world makes USD 178m per annum,” Mr Farooq wondered.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2024