Pakistan Tanners Association has appreciated the decision of TDAP to facilitate leather industry by bearing all expanses of Pakistan Mega Leather Show being held next year at Expo Center Lahore.The PTA central chairman Agha Saiddain, in his letter to TDAP Chief Executive Abid Javid Akbar, has expressed his thanks for the support to leather sector and proactive approach of TDAP to overcome chronic stagnation of this important sector which is 3rd largest foreign exchange earning industry of Pakistan with annual exports of $1.05b.

He said that coordination with Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA), Footwear Association, Gloves Manufacturers Association and Leather Goods Association to finalise data for Pakistan Mega Leather Show has been started. “We will submit you detailed working paper as soon as it is finalised by Pakistan Mega Leather Show Sub-Committee,” he added.

He said that the leather sector has a potential to increase its exports by 100pc in next three years if it is provided level-playing field with India, China, and Bangladesh i.e. our competing countries.“We highly appreciate your decision accepting our request during your visit to LCCI. You were kind enough to announce during this meeting that for Pakistan Mega Leather Show no rental of Expo Center Lahore and other facilities therein would be charged from exhibitors of Leather Sector and all expenses of rental etc would be taken up by TDAP. We highly appreciate this positive step and hope this would prove a turning point for this important sector.”

Expressing the importance of trade fairs, Agha said that trade shows are great places to network and forge good business relationships. Face-to-face contact with customers and suppliers can make the wheels of business run more smoothly, as industry in this way, can meet new prospects and find new sources of revenue.He urged the TDAP to focus on exploring the market for Pakistani value-added leather items as about one half of Pakistan’s exports go to seven countries only while one fourth exports consistently find their way in European Union (EU).