The Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MMT) 2007 which will run from March 28-30, 2007, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is undergoing an expansion programme starting from November and APLF-MMT 2007 will occupy three halls, one for hides and skins, leather and chemicals and machinery; another just for hides and skins and leather; and a third for synthetic materials, components and accessories.

The 2007 event will focus on the development of functional fabrics for shoes and sportswear. Functional fabrics are seen by many as the future of footwear and garments, and buyers are increasingly looking for fabrics with 'crossover' properties. Experts forecast that by 2010 up to 40% of the garments sold will incorporate one or more functional features.

There will a special feature at the fair to accommodate the growing demand within the fashion accessory sector featuring suppliers of accessories for handbags.