Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods and Footwear Exporters' Association (BFLLFEA) Chairman Rezaul Karim Ansari disclosed the figure of spot orders at the closing ceremony of the three-day 6th Dhaka International Leather Fair (DILF) 2004 at Sonargaon Hotel on Thursday.

"The increased spot orders indicate that the world market is recovering from the shocks of September 11, Iraq war and Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)," he said.

Ansari also said more than 200 foreign visitors including buyers, tourists and agents from 25 countries visited the exhibition this year.

Bangladesh earned Tk1377.72 crore last fiscal (2003-03) from the leather sector, which is the third largest export-earning sector after ready made garments and frozen foods.

BFLLFEA and Bangladesh Tanners' Association (BTA) jointly organised the fair, where some 70 leather firms including 24 foreign companies participated. Major participating countries were the US, UK, India, Italy, Germany, South Africa, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain.

Speaking at the function, Industries Minister Matiur Rahman Nizami said leather exporters must produce quality products and maintain environment standards to face the competitive global market.

Advisor to Commerce Ministry Barkatullah Bulu, Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu MP and BTA Chairman Harun Chowdhury also spoke at the function.

In the concluding ceremony, nine companies also received awards for their performance in the fair. Appex Tannery Ltd, Chowdhury Leather & Co Ltd and Bay Tannery Ltd received first, second and third prizes from tannery group.

Silva Chima of Italy, BASF BD Ltd and Alpa Spa from chemicals and components group won first, second and third prizes while Bata Show Co (Bangladesh) Ltd, RMM Leather Industries Ltd and SA Leather and Show Industries Ltd became first, second and third from leather footwear and goods group.