AFTER 10 years of continuous expansion, the world's second biggest leather show is in need of a change.
These days, even the 36,000 square metres of area made available to exhibitors is not enough.
''We are absolutely at bursting point. The facilities at the Exhibition Centre and the China Resources Centre just cannot accommodate any more growth,'' said Mr Derek Dickins, managing director of the Hongkong Trade Fair Group, organisers of the Leather Fair '93.
''There's a limit to what's physically possible. Last year, for example, we even fitted air-conditioning, carpeting and lights in the loading bays to turn them into auxiliary exhibition areas,'' he said.
''Yet again, this year, we have long waiting lists with many countries seeking to expand their displays.
''For instance, the Italians, who are already by far the largest national group, want to increase their space by 50 per cent,'' Mr Dickins said.