APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The third All -Africa Leather Fair (AALF), kicks off on Wednesday in Addis Ababa where several participants from various parts of Africa and the rest of the world are taking part.

The fair, organized by the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA) attracted around 196 companies from various countries that are involved in the leather industry.

ELIA Board Chairperson Yigzaw Assefa said that hosting the annual fair would help create a market network and technology transfer for countries engaged in the leather export trade in Africa.

Some 137 local and 59 foreign companies from Germany, Italy, Egypt, Sudan and India are taking part in the event, according to the organizers.

“This is a good opportunity to make business and share experience among companies involved in the leather industry. We are really happy to participate in the fair,” Tesema Tariku,a businessman in the leather fair told APA.

Over 25 companies from the USA, Europe and Asia are displaying their products at the group pavilions while six member states of the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) set up a pavilion under the support of the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO).

More than 10,000 people are expected to visit the three-day fair.