CLE expects further leather export growth
Because of a weakening rupee and soaring production costs
in China, Indian leather and leather products exports grew 23% in 2011-12.
Exports exceeded the government target of $4.7 billion, reaching $4.9 billion compared
with $4 billion the previous year.
"We expect higher growth in exports in the coming years," M Rafeeque Ahmed,
chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), said.
Saalai Maraan, executive director of the CLE, said: "The next five years will
be crucial for India; the leather industry is projected to make substantial
development in all core areas to achieve the projected export target of $14
billion by 2016-17.
"Besides, the domestic market for leather products and
footwear is also projected to substantially increase from $3.5 billion."
