Namrata Kath Hazarika | 20 Apr, 2011

The leather export target of USD 8.5 billion over the next three years is achievable, said the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jyotiraditya Madhavraio Scindia in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In the sidelines of "India Leather Summit & Silver Jubilee Event", Scindia said, "The target which has been set (i.e USD 8.5 billion) for the leather sector, will be achievable. It will be crossing USD 3.75 billion this year, which means doubling of exports over the three or four years."

He added that there is tremendous potential for growth in the leather sector in areas like leather accessories and leather goods besides the footwear sector that touched exports of USD 1.6 billion of the total merchandise leather exports. And, India leather industry needs to focus to increase exports in these sectors as well.

Further dwelling views in the conference, he said that the leather export target can even go beyond the expectations and touch USD 9.5 billion, if the stakeholders work collaboratively for achieving this robust growth.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Council for Leather Exports (CLE) M Rafeeque Ahmed pointed out, Although the industry is back on track, the growth is slow. In fact, the industry has shortages of raw materials and skilled manpower in the country and also urged the government to take immediate measures to fight these challenges.

The leather sector also would contribute in generating employment of about 7 lakh in the country in the near future, he added.