FASHION ACCESS will be held in Hong Kong, March 31 ¨C April 2, 2008, on the theme of the next fashion season, Winter 2008/09.

The lack of raw material - hides and skins - is causing problems for tanners in Latin America: a problem caused (unintentionally to be sure) by their northern neighbours.

It's not a unique situation either: nor are the remedies. The latter include government restrictions on the export of domestic hides and skins, and smuggling.

Even so, Brazilian footwear manufacturers will have a significant presence at FASHION ACCESS; in Hong Kong at the end of March 2008 following their success in October at the previous FASHION ACCESS event.

In Europe the Spanish footwear industry and the government have developed a plan to ensure the industry survives: together with the jobs that go with it.

Jobs (or lack of them) may be the result of new environmental protection regulations likely to be introduced next year in China.

Many smaller tanners could be forced to close. But, according to the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) there is some good news likely to be included when the details are finally announced.

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