CLE proposes crisis measures
Despite the global economic crisis, the 24th India International Leather Fair managed to attract almost 400 exhibitors, 122 of which came from overseas. The fair ran from January 31 to February 3 in Chennai.
However, according to the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Indian leather exports have dropped 33% month-on-month.
In response, chairman, Habib Hussain, has suggested that a three-pronged approach be adopted in order to tackle the crisis. The first is to make long-term plans and facilitate the necessary infrastructure. Second, he requests term loans for those that have lost money because of the crisis, and third he believes it will be important to focus on the main markets of the US and EU.
Mr Hussain said: “Leather exporters should concentrate on top lines rather than bottom lines and that the first priority is to not lose global customers like, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Coach to neighbouring China, which has a 20% share of global leather exports”.
