Asian economies are recovering from the global crisis more quickly than elsewhere, according to the Director of the Asia Pacific Department of the IMF Anoon Singh, whose observation is shared by economists worldwide.

Meanwhile the West is still mired in recession and could be for several years to come. Demand for apparel, fashionable  shoes and leather goods remain solid in Asia, prices have not been slashed whereas, in the US discounts of 70% are still seen.



The enthusiasm at APLF MM&T earlier this year underscores (yet again) that the future of the leather and fashion accessories industry lies in Asia, and the fair's upcoming show in March 2010 is expected to be equally, if not more successful. The Asia region has the world’s largest populations and its citizens are fast improving their standard of living and level of disposable income.

We are talking about at least half a billion consumers with disposable income in Asia, which will soon overtake those in the US and Europe....read more