The 17th India International Leather Fair, 2002 concluded successfully in the evening of 4th February, 2002 at Chennai Trade Centre. The fair recorded an ever high business turnover of more than Rs.85 crore with emphasis on exports; export business deals, as reported by participants, recorded Rs.51.5 crore followed by Import Business to the tune of Rs.21 crore and local business orders valued at Rs.12.6 crore. The above figures have been arrived at on the basis of feedback received from 80 per cent of 220 participants. Besides, a Joint Venture with an estimated value of Rs. 20 crore has been signed.

Indian Leather industry is on upswing and the whole world is looking to it anxiously. This is reflected by the presence of overseas exhibitors. More than 37 overseas exhibitors from 19 countries such as - Argentina (1), France (1), Hong Kong (1), Italy (12), Taiwan (6), Germany (1), the Netherlands (1), Spain (6), People’s Republic of China (1), Singapore (1), South Africa (1), South Korea (3), Czech Republic (1), Ireland (1), Portugal (1), United Arab Emirates (1), and United Kingdom (1) directly participated in the fair.

More than 10,000 representatives of trade and industry visited the fair. Out of these, 4687 were registered and 1860 paid visitors. Buyers from 35 countries such as Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bahamas, China, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hong Kong (China), Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Italy, Kenya, South Korea, North Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Reunion, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America, Yugoslavia, Zambia, etc. visited the exposition.

A cross section of representatives of trade & industry that included Manufacturers (14.23%), Importers (3.27%), Buying Agents (7.08%), Traders (4.38%), Wholesalers (6.05%), Exporters (9.49%), Retailers (1.09%) whose interests were concentrated on Footwear (10.28%), Footwear Components (5.26%), Leather Garments (6.08%), Fashion Accessories (2.49%), Travelware (0.76%), Leather (10.31%), Leather Goods (5.81%), Leather Chemicals (4.80%), Machinery (4.44%), Effluent Treatment Plant (2.49%), Publications (1.67%) and Consultancy Services (0.03%) visited the fair.

The highlights of the fair included :

1. Seminars on a number of important subjects: US Footwear Market, Value Upgradation by Finishing Raw hides & skins, Opportunities in China for Indian leather & leather products coordinated by Council for Leather Exports at the specially constructed air-conditioned Seminar Hall.

2. The Leather Fashion Show featuring the latest trends in colour, style and design of Shoes & Sandals, leather garments, ladies’ handbags & travelware was presented by models for different manufacturer-exporters.

3. International Technology Market (INTECHMART) organized by Council for Leather Exports, where meetings between foreign businessmen and Indian counterparts were organized.