Chairman Column
The success of the recently held Lineapelle Fair in Milan (20th to 22nd February 2024) has given lot of hope and confidence for the leather and footwear sector, indicating a strong market revival. February 2024 edition of Lineapelle witnessed 25,376 visitors (greater than February 2023 and September 2023 editions) and 1,167 exhibitors. The influx of foreign operators was significant in this edition (39% of the total), with buyers from France, Spain, Germany, Great Britain, Turkey, the United States, and China attending the fair.
I hope that the upcoming international fairs namely APLF & Fashion Access Fairs (March 19-21, 2024) would also bring positive results.
As you are aware, besides organising National Pavilions in major international fairs, CLE is also organising Buyer Seller Meets in major markets. Needless to mention, large participation of members in such marketing events is essential so as to ensure showcasing a whole spectrum of product ranges to the buyers and to promote the brand image of India as a reliable supplier of high quality products. I would hence urge all members to extend their support and participate in CLE events in large numbers.
On the domestic front, the Leather Week 2024 events concluded successfully in Chennai, with India International Leather Fair 2024 witnessing good visitor turnout. This year, CLE’s Designers Fair was also held at the same venue as IILF (i.e. Chennai Trade Centre), with the objective of enabling more visitors. Besides, the Design Workshop organised by CLRI in association with CLE, helped in gaining perspectives of Indian and foreign designers on the intricacies of design development.
As the recent exhibitions indicate a market revival, we are looking forward an year of positive growth in exports. I am sure that with our efforts, we will be able to scale new heights in exports during 2024-25.
With best wishes
Rajendra Kumar Jalan
Chairman
COUNCIL FOR LEATHER EXPORTS