Ethiopia to export only finished leathergoods
From December 2011 onwards, Ethiopia will export only finished leathergoods the country’s Ministry of Trade (MoT) has announced. Representing the MoT, Ahmed Nuru said that the groundwork has been laid to halt the export of raw hides and skin as of next month.
The new plan is part of efforts to increase revenue from the leather sector to $497 million within the next five years, according to Mr Ahmed. An element of the national plan for the leather sector includes replacing leather imports with local alternatives, he explained.
Export of raw hides and skins have deprived Ethiopia significant benefits, said Wondu Legesse, the director general of the Ethiopian Leather Industry Development Institute.
The leather institute will provide a range of support for leather factories to enhance their capacity to produce quality leather products that can be competitive in the international market.
