Operating your own business is never easy. Lewan Chen found that out the hard way...... but then, what other way is there?

Good opportunities still exist for those seeking commercial openings in China's leather business, despite the fact that it is highly competitive and, viewed by some, as a 'sunset industry'.

A determination to produce something better than was currently available is what prompted the late Mr Quek Ha Geok to launch Nankai back in 1971, almost 40 years ago.

We have entered 2008 amidst endless economic gloom all started by those wicked financial institutions that leant money to people who could not afford to pay for the homes they were buying, and then wrapped these loans up and sold them in funny packages to unsuspecting main stream banks like Merrill Lynch and CITI.

When the Niki Jodi brand was launched, six years ago, the bags were made from nylon, polyester, canvas and PU. In 2005 the brand began using soft leather.

The roll-out of FashionNetAsia.com offers a major upgrade of benefits for exhibitors and buyers at APLF - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T) and Fashion Access (FA).

Louise Farnay, a judge in the Design-A-Bag Competition in the forthcoming Fashion Access (FA), holds three degrees in visual arts and design, extending from graphic design, to illustration, sculpture, and painting, to body painting, hair styling and makeup.

Two heavyweights in the world of Apparel will feature at the forthcoming Prime Source Forum. Dr. William Fung, Group Managing Director of Li & Fung Ltd., will deliver the opening Keynote address.

Argentina, besides producing what is arguably the best beef in the world and some of the best finished leathers, has a long history of great soccer players.

It's important to confirm your hotel bookings when visiting Hong Kong.

Italian and Spanish tanners will be strongly represented at APLF - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T), March 31 - April 2, 2008.

There's a packed programme of seminars at this year's APLF - Materials, Manufacturing and Technology (MM&T) and Fashion Access (FA).

Italian manufacturers will show their latest footwear collections in the Italian pavilion organised by the Italian Trade Commission (I.C.E).