The Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) celebrated its 50^th anniversary at Couromoda, held in São Paulo in late January.

Speaking at the event, Umberto Cilião Sacchelli, president of CICB, highlighted the organisation’s history and the important role it plays in the Brazilian leather chain and, indeed, the Brazilian economy.

During the centre’s 50-year history, the aim of the organisation ha been to define the industry’s priorities in order to improve and optimise the production and quality of Brazilian leather.

CICB's activities also include exploring new export markets through annual agreements with the Brazilian Export Promotion Agency, which provides the funds necessary to promote the sector. This collaboration has resulted in the 'Brazilian Programme for Increased Leather Exports', also known as 'Brazilian Leather', which offers assistance to higher-end Brazilian tanners so that they are able to participate at international exhibitions and in trade missions. The objective of the programme is to increase the country's leather exports to $2.4 billion by 2008.

Brazil’s leather industry is one of the main motors of its foreign trade, accounting for almost 10% of the country's total exports. In 2006, leather exports reached $ 4.5 billion—7% higher than the $4.2 billion exported in 2005.

The leather sector is made up of 10,000 companies which employ some 500,000 people and turnover $21 billion per year.

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