Malaysian Envoy Urges Pakistan Leather Industry to Showcase Expertise in Kuala Lumpur

Herman Hardynata Ahmad, the Consul General of Malaysia, has invited Pakistani tanners to explore the possibility of hosting a leather exposition or roadshow in Kuala Lumpur. The aim is to highlight Pakistan’s superior craftsmanship and stringent quality standards within the leather sector.

According to a statement released by the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), the Consul General of Malaysia and the PTA’s South Zone committee convened and concurred that enhanced participation in trade exhibitions, business-to-business engagements, and collaborative ventures could significantly bolster confidence and create greater opportunities for commerce in leather products.

The PTA statement noted that the Consul General encouraged the PTA to deliberate on the organization of a Pakistan leather exhibition or roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, intending to demonstrate the artistry and benchmarks of quality upheld by Pakistan.

The Malaysian representative mentioned that the total value of trade between Pakistan and Malaysia reached about $1.4 billion in FY2023. Pakistan’s exports were valued at around $400 million, while its imports totaled approximately $1 billion.

The envoy added, “Despite Pakistan’s position as a top-ten global leather producer, the leather sector’s contribution to this trade remains relatively modest, at less than $20 million annually.”

PTA Chairman Danish Aman proposed the introduction of an e-commerce platform to link Pakistani leather producers with Malaysian purchasers and distributors through online means.

He underscored the increasing importance of digital B2B trade, citing platforms such as Alibaba and Amazon Business as examples that have revolutionized international sourcing, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aman also drew attention to the industry’s recent investments in eco-friendly methods and regulatory compliance, including ISO certifications and environmentally sound tanning procedures, which align with Malaysian import requirements and consumer anticipations. The Consul General received traditional Ajrak, caps, and shields as gifts during the meeting.

The PTA statement quoted Hardynata saying that Malaysia is a promising market with a focus on quality, particularly for finished leather products such as shoes, bags, and apparel.