World eye on Lanka products:

‘Footwear, leather industry has much potential’

“It is my view that Footwear and Leather Industry has much potential today, which the apparel industry had two decades ago. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Fair 2007’ at the BMICH, Colombo, recently.

The first ever exhibition of Sri Lanka footwear and leather goods was inaugurated at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition and Convention Centre, Colombo last Saturday and it was organised by the Export Development Board under the guidance of Ministry of Export Development and International Trade, Ministry of Industrial Development, Industrial Development Board, Sri Lanka Footwear Association and Sri Lanka Small and Medium Footwear and Leather Goods Association jointly.

The exhibition had 150 stalls. Local and foreign suppliers of raw materials, machinery and components also displayed their products at the exhibition.

Addressing the gathering Prof. Peiris further said, “The Footwear and Leather industry has potential that is not second to the apparel sector. We chose this industry for the most relevant criteria which is outsourcing has now become national priority.”

He observed that the government also aims to develop the “One Village - One product” concept, brainchild of former Thai Premier, Thakshin Sinawathra, in the country’s rural sector by ensuring that development trickles down to the grassroots level.

The country last year earned US$ 39 million from the local footwear and leather wear industry with significant markets such as Italy, UK, Germany showing keen interest in Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka exports 20 to 30 million pairs of shoes with value addition amounting to 40-50 per cent generating ample job opportunities in the rural economy” the Minister said adding that high profile companies such as Marks & Spencer, HHBrown, and Dexter had shown interest in purchasing leather products made in Sri Lanka.

He also noted that the government had mapped out plans to ensure the continuity and extension of the GSP + scheme till 2011. Minister of Industrial Development, Kumara Welgama addressing the gathering said that the government had immense faith in the local footwear and leather wear industry.