Despite consistently lower exports of finished leather goods from Pakistan in recent times, the industry hopes that the local leather sector in Sialkot could be given a much needed boost thanks to the opening of a new airport.

Formally inaugurated by President Pervez Musharraf, it is the country's first privately-funded international airport. Built through a community-based project that was completed on a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) basis by the exporters of Sialkot at a cost of R2.6 billion ($42.43 million), it is hoped that the new facility will speed up imports and exports of many products including leather, leather goods and gloves, which until now have all been transported by road.

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