SME Times News Bureau | 04 Nov, 2009
The leather exporters in the country should focus on diversifying into new markets and honing sharper competitive edge in the existing markets, said Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma.
 
It would be imperative to diversify into new markets while carving a greater niche into existing markets, Sharma on Tuesday said while meeting a delegation from Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) in the national capital. 

Underlining that the government is committed towards the integrated development of leather sector, the minister said, "To give thrust to the sector, an allocation of Rs. 1300 crore has been made for the leather sector during the XI Plan."

The government has initiated a major initiative during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-12) under Indian Leather Development Program (ILDP) for overall development of the leather sector by augmenting raw material base. Human resource development has also been identified under ILDP programme as an important initiative to address the issue of shortage of manpower for the leather industry.

"Our various programs, interventions and trade policies are targeted towards the sustainable development of the Leather industry," Sharma added.