Leather Link Moscow latest

Following the success of the inaugural Leather Link convention on Budapest in 2002, the second edition is due to be held in Moscow on June 6. This year it will overlap with MosLeather, the international exhibition of leather, leathergoods and leather garments, being held from June 4-6. In addition participants will be given the opportunity to visit Russkaya Khoza, Russia's largest tannery, on June 8. The Leather Link forum was created to foster all aspects of leather trade between central/eastern Europe and western Europe. In the main this means western Europe sourcing raw and semi processed hides and skins and finished leathers from central and eastern Europe and supplying back finished leather, leather process chemicals and tanning machinery. The Leather Link provides a unique opportunity for participants to present their companies, both as buyers and sellers, as well as learning more about the two-way trade possibilities through presentations by international experts. Additionally the forum provides a business and social programme geared towards making new contacts and setting up joint ventures or other business partnerships. Russia has been chosen as the 2003 venue because it dominates the leather trade in central and eastern Europe. It has close to 90% of the region's business with an import and export trade in hides, skins, semi processed and finished leather worth US$263.5 million in the year 2000. With the regeneration of Russia's own leather and leather product manufacturing industry, trade possibilities are significantly enhanced. The geographical coverage of the Leather Link has been extended to all continents looking to trade with east and central Europe, Participants from Asia and South America who already showed an interest last year are expected to join the event in Moscow. The Leather Link is organised by SIC Group, France, and will be held at the Novotel Moscow Centre Hotel. The MosLeather trade fair is being held nearby in Gostiny Dvor, the cultural and business centre. Participants at both events will benefit from a 20% discount. [http://www.theleatherlink.com]