IILF opens in Chennai

The 21st annual edition of the India International Leather Fair was held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai, from January 31 - February 3. The fair was inaugurated by Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology at 6pm on January 31. The event was also presided over by Thiru E V K S Elangovan, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. The 2006 edition of IILF was said to be the biggest convergence in terms of participation, size, range of products on display, turnout of visitors, importers, buyers of leather and leather products in recent history. The fair covered a net area of 5,800 sq m and attracted 320 companies including 107 from 21 countries overseas - Bangladesh, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Pakistan, Thailand, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA and the Ukraine. The fair showcased a comprehensive range of products and services relating to the leather industry: machinery for tanning; shoe making; dryers; stitching and sewing machines; finishing machines; chemicals; footwear and components; garments; fashion accessories; leathergoods such as travel items, purses, wallets, belts, gloves, portfolios, hand bags and finished leather. A trend pavilion was also set up by the CLRI, ITPO and the CLE. Entitled 'Surge India', the area highlighted investment opportunities in the local leather sector. The fair is organised by ITPO in close collaboration with the CLE and leather associations such as the Indian Shoe Federation and the Indian Footwear Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association.