Minister for Skill Development and entrepreneurship said, the leather Sector has the potential to create 2 million jobs in the next 5 years.
Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey on 22nd of September said, the leather sector is an Export driven sector and has the potential to create 2 million jobs in the next 5 years.
Speaking at a ceremony in Chennai where more than a thousand candidates in the leather sector were awarded Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certificates, Dr. Pandey said “Globally, India is the second largest producer of leather Garments and footwear and with this phenomenal Market potential, the sector seems promising in the years to come. When we look back at our past, India has always had a rich heritage of leather crafts like footwear and accessories. These were prepared by highly skilled craftsmen from various clusters like Agra, Kanpur, Ambur and other regions. Today, these skills need to be preserved and people should be encouraged to make them a means of sustainable livelihood. I am glad to see the outcome of your RPL programs undertaken in close collaboration with the Industry. I congratulate all the candidates who are receiving their certificates today and wish them better opportunities for continued learning and career development. I wish you all great success and I extend continued support to LSSC team and all their partners.”
Dr. Pandy also said that “the Government of India has allowed 100% foreign direct Investment (FDI) in the sector and rationalized Export Duty on raw and semi-finished leather. The sector employees over 2.5 million people and has potential to create 2 million jobs in the next 5 years,” he further added.
The Government of India had recently announced in the Budget of 2019 that export duty be rationalized on raw and semi-finished leather increasing opportunities in the sector.
India accounts for about 13% of the world’s leather production. Footwear and Leather products in the world. The leather and leather products Industry contribute less than 1% to India’s GDP and Footwear industry contributes about 2% to India’s GDP.
Indian leather industry has huge potential for exports. It can reach USD 9.0 billion by 2020, from the present level of USD 5.85 billion.
India has Trade Agreements with Japan, Korea, ASEAN, Chile etc., and is negotiating Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with European Union, Australia etc.
