The China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), said that over 1200 foreign enterprises have registered to attend the 2006 All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE), September 5-7. This is a 12% increase compared with the number of foreign participants last year.

Official statistics showed that the import value of high-end hides, semi-finished and finished leather increased 15% during the first six months of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, due to the growing demand from thousands of shoe-making enterprises in the country.

CLIA officials explained the growing demand for high-end quality comes from not only the factories making for famous brands such as Coach but also from local brand companies making quality shoes, leather bags and leather garments.