New European association formed

Spain, France and Italy have joined to form a new association - ELGA - which plans to lobby Brussels on issues affecting leathergoods production in the EU. The new European Leathergoods Association will address mutual problems which include labour issues, counterfeiting and unfair trade practices. First president of ELGA, Giorgio Cannara, told Leather International that the association wanted to make a start in tackling some shared problems. It was his hope other countries would eventually join them. 'There are problems of finding funds for any organisation', he said, 'but with the goodwill of those who have an interest in the continuing success of our industries, we must do what we can.' He added that the Italian tanners association UNIC already had an office in Brussels and while Italy did not plan to dominate the new organisation, it was the largest player in the game and had a responsibility to take a lead. It was hoped that, having made a start, other national trade associations would find the will to join the new grouping. Aimpes for Italy, Asefma for Spain and the Fédération Française de la Maroquinerie, signed the agreement for the constitution of ELGA in March, declared by Aimpes' general director Mauro Muzzolon: 'As redefining the leather industry's role on our continent, also through the tools that the European Community puts at our disposal, giving greater voice to our sector within the Community.'