India Intl Leather Fair gets underway

Chennai, Jan 31 (UNI) The four-day 22nd annual edition of India International Leather Fair (ILLF) began at Trade Centre here today.

The ILLF 2007 was inaugurated by Union Minister of Communication and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran while Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh presided over the function.

The ILLF has attracted participation of about 390 companies, including 138 from 21 overseas countries.

The fair has showcased, as in the past, a comprehensive range of products and services from leather industries, including machinery for tanning, shoe-making dyers, stitching and sewing machines, finishing machines and chemicals for leather industry.

The fair also focused on publications and consultancy services related to the leather industry.

The leather fair was organised by ITPO in collaboration with CLE and leather associations like Central Leather Research Institute, Indian Shoe Federation, Indian Footwear Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Footwear Design and Development Institute and Indian Finished Leather Manufacturers Association.

Mr Maran said the leather industry should focus on tapping US market to create more employment in the sector.

He also mentioned that the UPA Government had chalked out several measures in its common minimum programme to support leather industries across the country.

The leather industry should export high volumes of low-valued leather products to other countries, Mr Ramesh said adding ''the industry should move to create more employment rather than focusing on dollars.'' UNI