In his welcoming remarks, Dr Candar states that over the years he has gained a vast appreciation for the significant contributions of the IULTCS and the important functions it fulfils within the leather sector. He points towards the important role the IULTCS can play in helping to develop a ‘vision’ for the leather sector working with other international organisations towards a common purpose. However, he emphasises the political and commercial neutrality of the International Union and focuses attention on its core purpose which is to encourage the technology and science of leather on a worldwide basis. Candar encourages all members of the global leather sector to participate in the important regional technical conferences that will take place in Uruguay in October and Taiwan in November of this year. The next Global Congress is slated for the last week of May, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The next IULTCS Executive Committee meeting is scheduled to take place during the APLF in Hong Kong on March 28 and all members and commission chairs are invited to attend and update on regional activities and developments.