Importers and retailers of leather products would have a unique opportunity of seeing an exquisite range of items from India at an exhibition in Auckland next month.
They would also have an opportunity to discuss trade arrangements with the visiting exporters.
The Council for Leather Exports India (CLE) is organising the trade exhibition and dealer meetings at the Heritage Hotel on Hobson Street on October 1 and 2, in coordination with the Indian High Commission.
The exhibition is a free event, with 34 Indian manufacturers, distributors and exporters showcasing various brands of footwear, leather garments, bags, accessories, upholstery, saddler and harness and pet care products.
Record exports
Council Chairman M. Rafeeque Ahmed said that the Indian leather industry accounted for turnover of US$ 7.5 billion during the 2011-2012 financial year, of which the value of exports was US$ 4.86 billion, recording a cumulative annual growth rate of about 8.22% over the past five years.
“The leather industry is bestowed with an affluence of raw materials as India is endowed with 21% of world cattle & buffalo and 11% of world goat and sheep population. Added to this are the strengths of skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards, and the dedicated support of the allied industries,” he said.
Although India is the second largest producer of footwear and leather garments in the world, it accounts for about 3% of global leather imports valued at US$ 137.96 billion as at the end of December 2010.
“The leather industry is an employment intensive sector, providing jobs to about 2.5 million people, mostly from the weaker sections of the society. Women employment is predominant in leather products sector with about 30% share,” Mr Ahmed said.
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What: Leather Expo Who: The Council for Leather Exports India Where: Heritage Hotel (Grand Room) 35 Hobson Street, Auckland City When: October 1 & 2 from 10 am to 5 pm |
