Asia Pacific Leather Exhibition Attracts Foreign Eyeballs

　 During the 2010 exhibition of raw materials and manufacturing technology in the Asia Pacific Leather Fair, FashionNetAsia was honored to interview Mr. Lai.Tolunay, chairman of the Istanbul leather and leather products export chamber of Commerce. Tolunay pointed out that this is the twenty-sixth time that Turkey has participated in the leather exhibition held in Hongkong. In 2009, the Istanbul leather and leather products export association won the exhibition awards for its participation in all 25 exhibitions since 1984.

At this year's exhibition, 30 companies in Turkey have set up a new record of the number of exhibitors. This also shows the importance of the Asia Pacific Leather Exhibition as a sales platform for Turkey export companies.

Mr. Tolunay focused on the history of leather manufacturing in Turkey. Leather manufacturing has been a common commercial activity in Turkey since 500 years ago, when it was also known as the Osman empire.

At the earliest, the export market of Turkey leather products was Western Europe, and the region has always been the main market of Turkey leather products. But since 1990, Turkey leather manufacturers have turned their eyes to Japan. This change has been a great success. Turkey continued to succeed in the Asian market until it was interrupted by the financial crisis in 1997. This crisis has also affected other major markets in Turkey, such as Russia, because demand and prices have dropped in other major markets.

In 1997, the financial crisis made Turkey adjust its export strategy. The importance of finished products was reduced, and the importance of finished leather exports was strengthened. China is naturally one of the Asian markets of Turkey's finished leather. It is against this background that the Asia Pacific Leather show is becoming more and more important in the strategy of Turkey leather exporters.

Now, at the 2010 exhibition, Mr. Tolunay told us that their exhibitors were very successful in the opening ceremony of the leather exhibition in the Asia Pacific region and were very satisfied with the positive results achieved. He also pointed out that the leather exhibition in Hongkong and the Asia Pacific region is an international bridge connecting with the Turkey Company. In his words, "Hongkong is the best place."

He further explained that because mainland China is close to Hongkong, it can find excellent business opportunities in Hongkong, not only to find business opportunities with the mainland of China, but also to find business opportunities with the United States and other countries around the world. Hongkong itself is not a market, but it provides a bridge to trade with the whole world. In other words, the leather industry can formulate its global marketing strategy in Hongkong.

"The quality of exhibitors in the Asia Pacific Leather Fair is very good," Mr. Tolunay said to his group of international buyers on his walkway. "We were worried last year, but this year is different. Everyone has become more confident. People are not only doing business here, but also planning long-term strategies here, because the future looks promising, especially this year.

When asked about the future of Turkey's economy, its close ties with neighboring Greece, and its financial difficulties, Mr. Tolunay made a very optimistic response. "Our banks do not invest in mortgage securities, even though Germany, France and the United States, Turkey's economy is small but still strong and strong."

Mr. Tolunay confirmed that Turkey will participate in the Asia Pacific Leather Exhibition in 2011, and the number of exhibitors in Turkey will be expected to exceed 30 this year.