New exhibition for Nairobi

The Africa Federation of Leather and Allied Industries is to hold a leather exhibition in Nairobi, Kenya in December. The four-day event will be sponsored by Nairobi-based Eastern and Southern Africa Leather Industries Association (ESALIA). Participants will be invited from ESALIA member countries, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 'The expo will also attract international companies dealing in leather and leather products', says fair coordinator Mthoni Muturi. Manufacturers of leather machinery, chemicals and component suppliers as well as footwear and leathergoods manufacturers are also expected to participate. The exhibition has been organised following concerns that the export of raw hides is taking much-needed business away from local tanneries. It is hoped that participants will be able to make new contacts and enhance their business in the region. Local businesses are also being supported by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the Centre for Development of Enterprises (CDE) and the International Trade Centre (ITC). Source: allAfrica.com