The Ethiopian Leather, Shoes and Leather Products Manufacturing Association was reportedly preparing to hold the second all African Leather Fair January 20-22, 2009 in Addis Ababa City.

Association secretary general, Abdissa Adugna said that the event is to take place at Addis Ababa millennium hall.

Some 3,000 people are expected to visit the trade fair in which some 250 local and international participants from 30 different countries take part.

The Fair will bring together tanners, footwear and other leather goods manufacturers, equipment and technology suppliers, chemical and inputs suppliers, manpower training institutions, trade promotion organizations from all over the world.

The first all African leather trade fair ‘2008) was a success, with 63 overseas companies and 107 local companies participating. It was visited by 1525 international and 2400 local visitors.

In a related story, a source disclosed that Ethiopian Leather, Textile & Garment Exhibition & Symposium (ELTGES) is scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia from 12th November 2008 to 16th November 2008.

Designed to promote the sector, it will be organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian government. Producers and fashion companies such as Nike and Adidas have already confirmed their attendance.

“We have assembled a team of experts in the Textile and Garment field to help Ethiopian Manufacturers to move to the goal of excellence in Productivity, Design, Quality and Customer Service,” the source quoted organizers.

“We also act for International Companies wanting to find a new source of manufacturing that can compete with the other more established sources in Asia.”

Source: The Africa Monitor