CLE to set up 15 integrated leather parks in country

Chennai, Jan 30 (UNI) To give Indian leather products a facelift, the Council for Leather Exprots (CLE) has chalked out plans to set up 15 integrated leather parks across the country at the cost of Rs 400 crore.

Talking to newspersons here today, CLE Chairman Muktharul Amin said the leather industry had identified certain thrust areas for development in the 11th Five Year Plan, which were under consideration of the Centre.

"The CLE also plans a modernisation scheme, two 'Centers of excellence for design and development', besides continuing INTECHMART schemes for overseas investment promotion, HRD programmes, Saddlery development and rural artisans development programmes.

Mr Muktharul Amin said " the Council has sought some fiscal support in the form of central excise/CVD exemption on machinery and spare parts to encourage additional capacity building initiatives in the leather industry." To facilitate the growth of indigenous component industry, he said the CLE would seek exemption on central excise duty on footwear components.

He said the Centre was considering to include all these in the ensuing Union budget.

He said the council had also formulated an ambitious marketing plan for 2007-2008, which includes participation in 22 overseas leather fairs, organising buyer seller meets in seven countries, besides inviting major buyers and delegation to India.

"It is expected that the concerted efforts of the government and industry will help to achieve desired growth in production and export in leather sector besides providing employment opportunities, mostly in rural and semi-urban areas in the coming years," he added.

UNI