Indian assistance for footwear industry
India has agreed to extend its assistance to Sri Lanka’s footwear
industry following a request made by Industry and Commerce Minister
Rishard Bathiudeen.
Minister Bathiudeen requested Indian assistance for skills building
and training for local footwear and leather industry when he addressed
the fourth Indian leather Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) held in Colombo on
March 2.
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Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha, with other officials
at the fourth Indian Leather Buyer Seller Meet. EDB Chairman
Janaka Ratnayake looks on. Picture by Chinthaka Kumarasinghe |
“Sri Lanka footwear industry imports the bulk of its leather
requirements directly from Chennai. And all of us are aware India has
become the number two footwear producer in the world,” Minister
Bathiudeen said. Speaking about the Indo-Lanka Economic Cooperation
Agreement, he said: “I am delighted to state that Sri Lanka is working
towards early conclusion of the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA)
between both countries and the Cabinet has appointed an
inter-governmental committee to be convened by the Director General of
Commerce. In this context, I am hopeful of an early finalization of the
process thereby both neighbours will strengthen our centuries long
historic relations.”
The Buyer-Seller Meet and Trade Exhibition of Components, Materials
and leather for footwear, leather goods and upholstery industries have
been organized by the Council of Leather Exports of India.
This is the fourth such BSM held in Sri Lanka. In the 2010 BSM held
in Colombo, US $ 19,500 worth confirmed orders were received.
“This is the fourth BSM and we are privileged to host it. Such
continuity alone shows that the annual buyer seller meet is here to
stay,” Minister Bathiudeen said.
“Indian leather is no stranger to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka footwear
industry imports the bulk of its leather requirements directly from
Chennai, India. As all of us are aware India has become the number two
footwear producer in the world.
Sri Lanka’s footwear industry is also expected to see healthy growth
after the government had granted important tax concessions in 2010.I am
given to understand that India is aiming to double its current leather
exports to $ 7 billion by 2013—14.
Sri Lanka footwear consumer market may not be as huge as India can
look forward to, but emerging demand for designer footwear in Sri Lanka
appears to be a new trend that Indian sellers can exploit,” the Minister
said. |
