LAHORE: People thronged the 9th mega international leather show-2024 that concluded here at the Lahore Expo Centre (Johar Town) on Sunday.

Started on Jan 26 (Friday), the show attracted a number of people representing the local formal and informal industry, delegates from China, Italy and other countries and the public at large.

`It is really an amazing opportunity to see and procure the several original leather products under one roof. The government should support, supervise and encourage such events in a bid to facilitate the public in purchasing various things at cheaper rates,` com-mented a shopper while talking to Dawn at the show.

`I have found here a variety of leather goods-shoes, purses, belts etc,` he added.

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 (PFMA) and the Pakistan Tanners Association witnessed convergence of industry leaders, symbolising unity and collaboration within the leather sector. Their shared vision for innovation and sustainability resonated through the halls of the Expo Centre as they officially opened the event. As patrons and participants gathered, an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement envel-oped the venue.

It may be mentioned that the show served as a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the showcasing of cutting-edge products and technologies. Against the backdrop of evolving global trends, this gathering of industry titans was poised to propel the leather sector forward, fostering growth, and paving the way for a future where excellence and ingenuity reign supreme.

The Expo Centre Lahore had been transformed into a hub of knowledge exchange and collaboration, fostering a climate of growth and progress within the vibrant and dynamic leather community.

`This time, we, for the first time, have received more than 60 delegates from China alone that means the Chinese busi-nessmen want to collaborate with Pakistan to boost the leather industry in Pakistan by shifting their units amid technology transfer due to low labourrates and availability of adequate raw material on cheaper rate here,` explained 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`industry and is the 7th largest shoe manufacturing country in the world is hardly able to make only USD 178 million per annum only,` Mr Farooq wondered.

According to him, since Pakistan has a potential to take leather and other fabric goods exports to USD 60bn inthe next 25 years or so, the government should focus and support this sector through some incentives. The event gave a unique opportunity for shoe manufacturers, importers, exporters, processors, and other alliedindustryleadersto interact with the titans of the shoe-making industry. With a focus onfostering dialogue and collaboration, the exhibition introduced innovation, showcasing latest trends, and propelling the leather industry forward.

With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the event showcased the strides made by the leather sector in adopting ecofriendly practices and cuttingedge technologies. It underscored the government`s commitment to supporting and promoting the leather industry.