‘SL can boost Footwear and Leather Industry’

Sri Lanka can promote the Footwear and Leather Industry by getting closer to South Asia, which is the second fastest economic growth region in the world. Foreign direct investments will expand the sector beyond current export levels of US $ 31 million, said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

The minister was addressing the concluding ceremony of the the fifth International Footwear and Leather Fair organized by the Export Development Board on Sunday.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest.

Minister Bathiudeen said this year’s international show and fashion event have brought a tremendous response from local and international participants; delegations. It will pave the way for $ 20 Bn exports by 2020 through export diversification, despite the challenging international market outlook.

Over 200 Lankan and Foreign exhibitors became promoters of this three day event, of which the organizer is the Export Development Board assisted by the Industrial Development Board.

“The Jordanian delegation, the strongest international team attended this year, has commenced negotiations with selected Sri Lankan suppliers.

The other top international delegations are from Poland and Nigeria. Participants from India and Bangladesh displayed a better raw material base than last year” Minister Bathiudeen said.