Links between the footwear industries of eastern and western China have been strengthened with the signing of a deal between the Chinese footwear giant, the Aokang Shoe Group and the Bishan Government of Sichuan province.

Under the agreement, Aokang will invest Y800 million (US$96.7 million) in the development of a new footwear production zone in Bishan. When it opens in 2005, the zone will cover 133 acres, providing 100 shoe-making enterprises and around 30,000 jobs.

The China Light Industry Association, the China Leather Industry Association and the China Leather Industry Information Centre have all publicly their expressed approval for the historic step.

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