Kathmandu, January 24:

Leather Footwear and Goods Manufacturers’ Association of Nepal (LFGMAN) is organising a five-day long Leather Goods and Footwear Expo-2005 from January 26 to 30 at City Hall in Kathmandu.

“This is the fourth such expo in Nepal where a wide range of leather goods and accessories manufactured locally will be put on display and will be sold under a single roof,” said Birat Thapa, president of LFGMAN, at a press meet today.

Despite the market for shoes and other leather goods having been increased, the domestic production only meets about 35 per cent of the total demand, while the rest is being imported, he said. Annual demand for leather shoes is about seven to eight million pairs and the figure is increasing every year.

According to LFGMAN, Nepal consumes about 250,000 pieces of leather jackets and various bags each year, whereas there is a demand for over 500,000 pieces of leather goods like purse, wallet, diary cover and penholder.

Highlighting the features of the exhibition, Thapa said a complete range of leather goods such as shoes, sandals, belts, garments, wallets, bags and accessories will be displayed through 37 stalls.

The expo is sponsored by FNCCI, NCC and Handicraft Association of Nepal (HAN), and supported by the Export Promotion Board and Department of Cottage and Small Industries.