Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistics Committee reports that the production of leather and leather products in Kyrgyzstan in the first half of this year was a substantial 260% higher than in the same period in 2005, according to the Interfax news agency. Production in the leather footwear sector increased by ’44 times’ year-on-year, while production of leather made from sheep or goat skins increased by 8.1%.

However, the production of leather made from cattle hides fell by 42.4%. Production falls were also recorded for leather products such as suitcases and leather bags.

In comparison, the year-on-year decrease in industrial output in Kyrgyzstan in the January to June period was 6.8%.