The honour was bestowed on India in acknowledgement of its "leading position" as a leather production and supply country by the fair authorities - Messe Offenbach - reaffirming the close leather ties between Germany and India.

The theme "Go leather - Go India" under which India is presenting itself at the three-day fair at Offenbach, near Frankfurt, is an invitation to the German leather industry to focus its attention towards the important sector of the Indian industry, a fair official said.

India has the largest number of exhibitors (19) among the 19 countries at the fair which shows international leather collection novelties and the latest fashion hits for midsummer and beginning at autumn.

A special "India vibes" fashion show each day featuring 10 German models showcasing novelties in high fashion Indian leather bags, wallets, travel luggage, belts kicking off new trends for this year is the highlight of the fair that opened yesterday.

An India evening was held at the fair grounds last night which was attended among others by India's ambassador Ronen Sen and the chairman of India's council for leather experts (CLE) Mohammed hashim.

"The inspirations and ideas at the Indian fashion show are indispensable for the leather goods industry, kicking of the next collection development cycle and to see how European lifestyle can be fused with Indian design and worksmanship," said an official of the Association of the German Leather Goods retail trade known by the German acronym BLE.

The official said it was fascinating to watch techniques and material combine with modern design. India is a country that knows how to combine their tradition with the future.

About 70 per cent of Indian leather and leather products find their destination in the 15-nation European Union (EU).

Germany among the EU countries is the largest importer of leather and leather products exported from India, accounting for about 20 per cent of total exports of $1.5 billion.

A quarter of India's leather exports to Germany comprises leather goods, mainly ladies handbags, bags and wallets. However, India is behind China and Italy among the leather exporting countries.

Mr Hashim said that considering the opportunity provided by Germany for consolidating and expanding market share, Indian leather exporters give great importance to the market here.

India's overall leather exports is expected to touch an all time high of $2 billion in 2001-2002 and reach $3.5 billion by 2005-06.