"This objective needs the creation of five worldwide brand names by using foreign technology and funds," said Zhang Shuhua, vice-president of China Leather Industry Association.

Zhang was in Shanghai yesterday for the 2002 All China Leather Exhibition, which opened yesterday at the Shanghai Everbright Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three-day show brought more than 500 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions.

"Doubled efforts are needed to upgrade China's status in the world's leather industry though it is one of the world's largest leather producers," Zhang added.

Last year, China produced 460 million square metres of tanned leather and more than 2 billion pairs of leather shoes. But those quality shoes were sold at low-prices, costing an average of US$5 a pair.

"The maximum output didn't earn what it deserved. Being the largest producer does not mean it is the most powerful," Zhang said.

She said the association is working out a development plan aimed at revitalizing the nation's leather industry.

"The situation that China is inferior to its counterparts in this field should be changed," Zhang said.

(China Daily September 20, 2002)