A first for ASEAN
With no possibility of holding APLF in Hong Kong since 2019 owing to the covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and strict quarantine regulations for for international travellers, the event organisers have turned to alternative venues.
The March 2022 fair in Dubai attracted 463 exhibitors and 6,000 visitors. Feedback suggested that that exhibitors wanted more buyers from the Asia-Pacific region. Based on this, the organisers took the decision to launch APLF ASEAN, which will take place in Bangkok from October 19-21.
There will be more than 200 exhibitors representing the whole leather supply chain.
Ten local and regional sector associations have collaborated with the organisers to promote the ASEAN fair to their members and buyers to come to participate in Bangkok.
These are:
Thai Tanning Industry Association
Thai Furniture Association
Indonesian Tanners Association (APKI)
Indonesian Footwear Industry Development Center (BPIPI)
Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI)
Tanners’ Association of the Philippines (TAP)
Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FamPH)
Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO)
Taiwan Footwear Manufacturers Association
Hong Kong Footwear Association.
With ASEAN GDP forecast to grow by 5.5% by the IMF for this year, and the region now reopened for business, the organisers have said there are good sourcing opportunities for regional footwear and leathergoods manufacturers.
