From Executive Director, CLE

Buoyed by the increasing preferences of the global buyers for Indian products and also the growing domestic consumer base, our sector is aiming to reach a turnover target of USD 47.1 billion by 2030 (domestic of USD 33.4 bn and export of USD 13.70 billion), as against the turnover of USD 17.26 bn during 2022-23 (exports of USD 5.26 bn and domestic industry turnover of USD 12 bn).

This ambitious turnover is achievable, considering the increasing preference of global buyers for sourcing from India and also the growing domestic market, particularly for footwear.

In order to achieve the envisaged turnover, there is a need for attracting significant domestic and overseas investments and to strengthen our supply chain.  For this, there is a need for paradigm shift in policy making to ensure sustainable growth and development of the industry. Currently, the Foreign Trade Policy focusses on duty neutralization schemes and support measures on production and processing are implemented through Indian Footwear & Leather Development Programme (IFLDP).

Though there are schemes and support measures at National and State Level, there is a need for holistic development of the entire sector through a National Policy on Footwear and Leather,  projecting the growth potential, investment opportunities, domestic demand and export prospects.  This Policy should cover the entire supply chain of the sector, starting from raw materials to finished products, including raw material collection, processing, product development, marketing, supply chain management and backward integration.

We have requested the Government to consider formulating a National Policy on Footwear and Leather, which we hope will provide fillip to the growth and overall development.

With kind regards

R. Selvam
Executive Director
COUNCIL FOR LEATHER EXPORTS