In line with a new industrial policy recently unveiled by India’s chief minister Mayawati, the leather goods industry of Uttar Pradesh is to be assigned its own Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Located in Kanpur, it will be the fourth industry-specific zone to be created in the state.

According to local reports, Kanpur was chosen by reason of its huge foreign exchange potential. To be developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation, the proposed SEZ will require a 1000-acre plot and the process of land acquisition is already underway, Mayawati also confirmed that the selection of a consultancy firm for conducting a economic feasibility study is likely to be completed within a month.