What is the distinctive advantage of Indian leather products in the international markets?
The Indian leather industry is wedged between two countries with entirely different focuses, China on volume and Italy on high creativity. Thus, the industry is in between and ideally suited to gain market share from both. India exports leather products to some of the finest brand names in the world. Our strength lies in creativity, ability to do short runs and shorter turnarounds. Having declared as a focus sector, are there any government-supported development programmes for the industry? The commerce and industry ministry has been implementing the Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP) with an outlay of Rs 400 crore in the 10th Plan and Rs 912.67 crore in the 11th Plan period. Its thrust was modernisation and expansion of capacities, human resource development, support to rural artisans for design and product development, creating market linkages, addressing environmental concerns in the tanning sector, promotion of ventures/technology tie-ups and direct investments etc. The ID
