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| IILF 2008 Highlights |
India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) organised the 23rd annual edition of India International Leather Fair (IILF) in Chennai during January 31 to February 3, 2008. The fair was organised in close collaboration with Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Indian Shoe Federation (ISF), Indian Finished Leather Manufacturers Association (IFLMEA) and Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers' Association (IFCOMA).
The fair was inaugurated by Dr. V. Krishnamurthy Chairman, National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council on 31st January 2008 at 6.00 p.m. On the occasion of inauguration of the fair, annual export awards instituted by CLE for best performing exporters, were also distributed. The fair was open to business visitors from February 1-3, 2008.
IILF 08 covered a net area of 8450 sqm - an increase of 15% as compared to last edition. This edition was the biggest so far in terms of area covered. There were 400 exhibitors including 139 from 22 overseas countries. There were overseas group participation from Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan and Thailand. Besides, companies from Bangladesh, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Indonesia, Taiwan, The Netherlands, U.S.A., U.K, etc. also participated at company level.
A Theme pavilion titled "INDIA - Flavour of the World” with focus on futuristic modern day India and presenting the "Best of India” merchandise in leather and leather products for the spring/summer 2009 season was set up jointly by Central Leather Research Institute, Council for Leather Exports and ITPO.
Concurrent to the fair, 15 seminars on topical interests and a fashion show presenting the latest on trends, colours and styles were organised. A daily newsletter "IILF 2008 Happenings” was also brought out on the days of the fair giving salient features and the day's important happenings. The newsletters were well received by exhibitors and business visitors.
About 16000 business visitors including a large number of overseas buyers visited the fair. CLE co-ordinated visit of 58 overseas buyers, seven opinion makers/ experts/officials and 11 journalists to IILF under sponsored programme. The journalists were from leading international leather magazines based in Italy, U.K, France, Spain and China. Buyers visited on the invitation from CLE were from Argentina, Brazil, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Singapore, U.K, U.S.A and Vietnam. Apart from above, 130 overseas buyers also registered at the fair, which included importers, buying agents, traders, wholesalers, retailers, etc. This apart, a business delegation of 27 Italian buyers led by Mr. Mario Andrenacci, Mayor, City of Porto Sant'Elpido (Region Marche, Italy) also visited the fair and held business meetings with exhibitors/exporters. Buyers-Sellers were also organised by CLE, the co-sponsors of the event.
As per feedback from exhibitors, the business generated during the fair was to the tune of US$ 130 million. All most all participants wanted to repeat their participation in the next edition. This points to the high level of satisfaction with the business and facilities at the fair.
The fair was well covered by electronic and print media. The event website "www.iilfleatherfair.com" hosts complete details on the fair, which will remain active till the next edition. |
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