In marked contrast to the rest of the national leather industry, (see leatherbiz.com story ‘Little cause of cheer in September Pakistan export figures’ - 13.10),  Pakistan’s leather garment manufacturers have said their exports actually increased last month.

In a statement issued earlier this week, Mr. Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman, Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA) stated that after two year’s continuous decline, exports by the association’s members were up by a massive 31% on the year before, to $30 million.  Exports for the quarter July-September 2003 were up by a similar margin, reaching $89 million, a 32% increase on the year before. 

Mr Fawad said the figures were typical of other major exporting nations, citing the 53% rise seen in China’s leather garment exports (to $517 million) in the first four months of 2003 and the 34% growth seen in Turkey’s exports in the six months to June, to $260 million.  In addition, the association has advised it has invited a team of South Korean garment makers to conduct a series of training sessions for its members, covering pattern making, cutting and stitching.

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