SWARITA

Time ripe to boost exports in Leather Apparels, Goods, Footwear from INDIA..

As China loses share in global market for exports of Leather Apparels, Leather and Leather Footwear due to rising production costs, it's time for India to step in and expand in the sectors, according to the Economic Survey.

The Survey said the Leather and Footwear sector is a highly employment intensive sector with lower capital requirements.

The Leather industry, which is highly labour intensive, is a focus area under the Modi government's 'Make in India' initiative, as it has massive potential for providing more employment, growth and to grow exports.

With an aim to double productivity of the leather industry in next 10 years, the government has launched an Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS) plan. The government is targeting leather revenues of $27 billion by 2020. It has already allowed 100 per cent FDI in the leather ..

All these measures are expected to not only create jobs but also attract huge investment from Foreign players. Globally, India is the second largest producer of footwear and Second largest Exporter of Leather Garments. The Indian Leather Industry accounts for around 12.93 per cent of the Global Leather production of hides/skins.

With growing demand, availability of skilled workforce, rising exports, easier raw material availability and government incentives, the sector is likely to get the boost. The growth in demand for Leather will continue to come from the fashion industry, especially footwear to be exported from INDIA.