Mr. Banaszak, we have got a deeper insight in the topic Leather", you also have commented
on educational issues of such professions as tanner and leather technician. You were
speaking about current tendencies as well. What suggestions, proposals or requests would
you like to express, what do you like to emphasize to attract more attention to leather production
and these two professions? Both jobs are at risk of disappearance the EU must focus their
special attention on them. Being a victim myself(while the Leather Institute in Reutlingen
was closed) but, however, in a happy mood due to the establishment of a new company
(WET-GREEN/NATURAL LEATHER SOLUTIONS), I know well enough that the wheels turn slowly in
Brussels. It is absolutely essential to pay a special attention to the economic development
of the dying, but on the other hand, still economically absolutely important professions.
It is a technical know-how, which is lost. I m speaking also about Spain, Portugal, Italy.
The production figures are unfortunately falling down in these areas as well. This technical
know-how is a German property and a European know-how! This is a basic know-how in a global
leather production. One is losing institutions like ours. The European Union has reacted
three months later to the closure of our Institute in Reutlingen one would like to do something
Professional associations were informed about the impending insolvency. My ideas currently
are: Professional associations are important links to the European commission. Therefore
it is absolutely necessary to recognize properly and in good time all the signals
coming from professional associations -to hear the associations of the countries - to
react ad hoc on a new know-how Education and distribution of know-know are essential. Even
if production is minimized, please pay more attention to education - it is very important.
What gets lost, is gone forever! We should never look back for a lost know-how. Old knowledge
is not to look for any more. To visit a museum is in no way a substitution for a forever
lost know-how. The responsibility for this must be carried on by somebody. As far as
it is a European know-how, therefore, European Commission must be responsible for that.