The All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE), scheduled for 3 to 5 September 2003, will take place as planned at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Pudong Shanghai, at a time of very high demand for overseas supplies from the local industry.

The Shanghai Government  lifted its self-imposed restriction on holding conferences and exhibitions in Shanghai, China, on the 14 June 2003. It has also just been announced that the 2003 Forbes Global CEO conference will continue to be held in Shanghai from September 16 to 18 as scheduled. These are very positive signs that the situation in Shanghai is now coming back to  ¡¥business as normal¡¦.

Import and export statistics on China¡¦s leather industry for January - April 2003 both show a healthy spurt in growth, indicating the sector remains extremely buoyant. Imports reached US$1.29 billion, up 24.1% over the same period in 2002 while exports reached US$4.56 billion, up 25.2%. It is particularly significant for the immediate business prospects and optimism of China¡¦s leather sector that imports of raw hides and skin increased by 29.9% and imports of semi and finished leather by 23.2%.

In spite of the SARS outbreak in China during spring 2003 which disrupted virtually everyone¡¦s business dealings, bookings for ACLE 2003 have held firm and continue to be well up on ACLE 2002. Group pavilions include Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan and USA. Two important national bodies which have increased the size of their pavilions are the Korean Tanners Association and the US Hide Skin and Leather Association.

Major chemical producers who have confirmed their participation include ALPA, Aktyubinsk Chromium Chemicals Plant, Atlas Refinery, BASF, Bayer China, Clariant, Luigi Stoppani Spa, Qingdao TFL, JinWoong, Samsung, Sisecam Chemicals Group, Stahl Asia, Shanghai Pielcolor. Besides this impressive representation of the chemical industry and of tanning machine manufacturers, the world leading tanners and leather traders are also strongly present with, for example, Hollander Hyams Ltd, Pittards Plc, International Splits, Conceria R G C Snc, Karim Leathers, Bertin Ltda, Breeze Concept Leather, Edward Wong & Co Ltd,  Hillspark Ltd  to name a few.

There is also strong participation from leading Chinese tanning and shoe machinery producers including Typical Sewing Wanping Machinery Co, Wenzhou Dashun Machinery Co, Wuxi Xinda Light Industry Machinery Co, Xinji Julong Tanning Machinery Co and Yancheng Huaying Shoe-making Machinery Co.

A comprehensive seminar programme over 3 - 4 September includes the following presentations:

Colours, Material Trends and Influences, Autumn/Winter 2004-05 and Women''s Fashion Trends, Spring/Summer 2004 by Peclers PARIS StyleCENTRAL Ltd
Low Cost Solution for Raw Hide Preservation by Bangladesh Leather
Leather Assessment and Utilisation for Tanners and Shoemakers by SATRA
How Clean Technology can help International Sales by BLC Leather Technology Centre