Tanzania looks to add value to hide and skin exports
Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to
increase the value of its leather exports. Rather than exporting raw hides and
skins, the government would like to see a rise in semi-finished and finished
leather exports.
Speaking at the 36th International Trade Fair in Dar es Salaam, trade minister Abdallah Kigoda said: "Value addition in leather sector will contribute significantly to the coutry’s economy, as a number of industries will spring up around it, as well as ensure products fetch high prices at the global market."
According to Dr Kigoda, raw skin exports earn 9,300 shillings
per piece, compared with 20,000 shillings for each piece of wet blue leather. A
piece of finished leather can earn 37,500 shillings.
Processing the hides and skins will also boost
employment, he said.
