India assists Sri Lankan footwear industry
India has agreed to extend its assistance to Sri Lanka’s footwear industry following a request made by Industry and Commerce Minister, Rishard Bathiudeen.
Mr Bathiudeen requested Indian assistance for building skills and training for the local footwear and leather industries when he addressed the fourth Indian leather Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) held in Colombo on 2 March, 2011.
“The Sri Lanka footwear industry imports the bulk of its leather requirements directly from Chennai. And all of us are aware India has become the number two footwear producer in the world,” Mr Bathiudeen said.
Speaking about the Indo-Lanka Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), he said: “I am delighted to state that Sri Lanka is working towards early conclusion of the Economic Cooperation Agreement between both countries and the cabinet has appointed an inter-governmental committee to be convened by the Director General of Commerce. In this context, I am hopeful of an early finalisation of the process thereby both neighbours will strengthen our centuries-long historic relations.”
The BSM and Trade Exhibition of Components, Materials and Leather for the footwear, leathergoods and upholstery industries have been organized by the Council of Leather Exports of India.
“The Sri Lanka footwear consumer market may not be as huge as India can look forward to, but emerging demand for designer footwear in Sri Lanka appears to be a new trend that Indian sellers can exploit,” the minister said.
