Islamabad, Jan 29 (INP): The 9th Pakistan Mega Leather Show took place in Lahore from January 26th to 28th, achieved remarkable success promoting leather industry partnership, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday. The event witnessed a significant presence of Chinese companies, who not only attended the exhibition but also forged valuable cooperation agreements, solidifying the potential for collaboration between the Chinese and Pakistani footwear industries. "Given China's position as the top producer of footwear and leather goods, coupled with Pakistan's ability to supply high-quality leather to major brands at competitive labor costs, the potential for a win-win cooperation between the two countries is substantial," said Agha Saiddain, former chairman of Pakistan Tanners Association. 

Understanding the potential of Pak-China leather industry cooperation, the Guangdong Shoes Materials Association organized a delegation of Chinese companies to participate in this influential exhibition. “The products primarily produced in Pakistan are mainly made of real leather, but there is a significant scarcity of footwear and bag products made from other materials such as synthetic leather.  The local population also exhibits a strong desire for fashionable footwear and bags. Pakistan also have implemented favorable import policies for these products, creating a conducive environment for collaboration between Chinese exhibitors and the Pakistani market,” said one Chinese exhibitor. 

During the three-day exhibition, Chinese companies experienced a continuous influx of interested visitors, rivaling the popularity of even the renowned Canton Fair.  Several Chinese enterprises also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with local industry partners during the expo.  "We are eager to find Chinese partners at this exhibition. China, with its large population and high consumption capacity, plays a significant role as an importer of finished leather from Pakistan. 

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides Pakistan with a strategic advantage, greatly benefiting the leather export industry. Additionally, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and China further amplifies these advantages," expressed a Pakistani participant. In addition to their active participation in the exhibition, the Chinese delegation also conducted insightful field visits to local leather factories, gaining in-depth knowledge about the production conditions, technological capabilities and market prospects of Pakistani manufacturers.  This tour has paved the way for an enhanced partnership between the Chinese and Pakistani leather industries, ultimately benefiting consumers in both markets. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China