Three-day Delhi International Leather Fair begins on Oct 16

New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) Over 125 leading manufacturers and exporters are expected to participate in the three-day Delhi International Leather Fair 2008 (DILF) at Pragati Maidan from October 16.

The fair, to be inaugurated by Mr T Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, is being organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in collaboration with Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Indian Leather Garments Association (ILGA), Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) and Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI).

The display profile covers a wide range of products and services which include finished leather, shoes&sandals, shoe components - uppers, soles, heels, counters, leather garments, fashion accessories, leather goods, travel ware, belts, gloves, portfolios, handbags and wallets, saddlery&harness, machinery and equipment, chemicals and consultancy services.

As a specialized B2B event, DILF has become a highly favoured destination on the itinerary of global buyers.

Earlier, the fair used to be held in May with its special focus on footwear and its components. Fulfilling the common demand of a large number of overseas buyers and participants, the fair is now being organized in October with an enhanced range of products under the theme 'finished leather goods'.

The Indian leather sector, a USD 4 billion industry provides employment to a near 2.5 million workforce of which 30 per cent are women. The Indian leather industry has witnessed substantial growth in recent years and is emerging as a major global player for finished quality leather products with leading international brands sourcing from leather and leather product from India. About 15 per cent global sourcing is done from India in footwear, leather garments, leather goods and accessories by leading international brands like Pierre Cardin, Versace, NEXT, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Florsheim, Clarks, K Shoes,DKNY, Liz Claiborne, Guess etc.

Being the second largest manufacturer of leather garment and footwear with strong and eco-sustainable tanning base, India is among the major producers of finished leather in the world production 2 billion square feet of leather annually. India's ingenuity in combining of its rich traditional leather craftsmanship with modern elements of design and automation has yielded significant dividends.

Diverse facets of the fair are Fashion Show, One-to-One Business Meetings and Exports Awards Function to project the best in leather sector.

Besides, presentation on Emerging Opportunities in India for the Leather Sector, Leather Colour&Texture Trends for the Autumn/Winter 2009/10 Season, Essentials of Customized Footwear and World Class Manufacturing and Competitiveness are also scheduled to be held during the mega event.

Along with DILF 2008, Wills Lifestyles Fashion Week and India International Houseware&Gift Fair (October 15-18, 2008) are also being concurrently held in Pragati Maidan offering good business opportunities to the visitors.

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