The Chinese government recently introduced a light industry adjustment and revitalisation plan to offer the country’s manufacturing sectors help during the economic downturn. Introduced on May 18, the plan already appears to be making a difference.

China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) president, Zhang Shuhua, believes the plan will increase confidence within the leather sector.

The CLIA claims the leather sector was the top-ranking light industry for exports in 2008. The industry’ exports totalled $42.5 billion and accounted for 14% of exports under the light industry umbrella.

The leather industry is mentioned 19 times in the plan which indicates the importance of the sector to the Chinese economy.

Madam Zhang believes the Chinese leather industry could achieve breakthroughs in various areas as a result of the new plan, for example brand creation brand, the building of leather industrial zones, reducing emissions and energy saving, and strengthening testing standards.

She is confident the leather sector will beat the current economic conditions and will meet the targets laid out in the new plan within three years.

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