PHOTO: FILE
More than 75 companies participated in the Asia Pacific Leather Fair in Hong Kong this year, including companies from Pakistan. This was Pakistan’s first time in the global Tannery of the Year 2013 contest, in which Lahore-based Royal Leathers was declared the second-best tannery in Asia, with the first place going to a Japanese tannery.
The award ceremony was held in the Hong Kong Convention Center, and was attended by hundreds of tanners from all over the world. The awards were decided by a panel of judges consisting of Ivan Kral, project coordinator for the United Nations Industrial Development Association, Dr Patricia Casey, vice president International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies, and Kim Reid, head of talent, leadership and learning at British Airways.
Due to high cost of business in Pakistan, the leather sector has faced stiff competition from rivals in India, China and Bangladesh. Despite this, the quality of Pakistani leather goods was highly appreciated by international buyers. However, in a meeting of the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), held in Hong Kong, it was decided not to sign long-term agreements due to the energy crisis and scarcity of raw material in the country.
PTA also decided to allot a separate block for traders without proper tannery support in future fairs. Agha Saiddain requested a 5% relief package for tanneries, so that they could overcome the high cost of business.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2013.
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