Even before the two leather fairs that took place just days apart in January 2004 in Istanbul, local leather producers lamented the rift in their sector. When reality struck, there was nothing to gain by comparing one fair to another. Leather manufacturers themselves and the many chemical and machinery firms that round out the sector are not at all divided. Most are excellent friends and help each other out when necessary.
What is clear is that Turkey has something like fifteen auxiliary associations and foundations that 'swing-tag' along with leather and garment production. To a large extent, these masterminded the sectoral wedge and many of their presidents have put short-term prestige and personal interests, unrelated to leather, before long-term planning and leather industry unity.
Maybe it is time for ear tweaking. Every sector and business has joined ranks as Turkey teeters on the brink of European accession. Amazing diplomatic skills are at work trying to resolve the question of Cyprus, and Turkish industry has projected a stable and cohesive image to the world. It is regrettable that the leather sector stands alone as parochial and insular in these critical times.
Saner minds dismiss this as a learning curve and say there is a lot of maturing to do before differences stop being aired in soap-box fashion. One or two associations run by professional administrators (not necessarily from the leather industry) should underpin the sector and their mandate should be to promote a brand image abroad.
Come 2005, few producers will support a double act where selfish interests proliferate. Footwear professionals have long benefited from having one fair for fashion and another for technology. A similar paradigm shift could add value and lustre to a sector that, barring a few, is highly professional.
