The Foreign Trade Policy 2004–09 identified leather and leather products as a thrust sector for export promotion because of its significant export prospects coupled with employment generation. India has a strong raw material base and technical expertise to achieve the target but both the government and the industry are aware of the problems. However, past efforts in restructuring the industry, modernization of tanneries, and promotion of common effluent treatment plants and creation of leather complexes have not yet yielded the desired results. Our responses to global challenges of trade liberalization and environmental requirements, and domestic environmental compliance requirements have been partial and very slow. In fact our responses have been reactive rather than proactive. We need continuous and quick adjustments to the challenges at home and abroad via a proactive policy to realize dynamic efficiency gains. This paper focuses on the potential demand of leather and its related products in foreign markets and how immensely leather export can contribute in the development of Indian Economy.
Cumulative Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Indian Leather Industry, Leather and Leather Products, Leather Parks, Tanneries
