Mission to Africa

Visit of Leather Delegation to Ethiopia & Kenya

Oct 29- Nov 2, 2007

If the export target of US $ 7 billion by the year 2010-11 has to be achieved, Leather Industry has to step up its production for which raw material availability in desired quantum and quality is very important. India currently produces 2 billion square feet of leather, and will have to produce another 2 billion square feet per annum to meet the requirement of leather products industry. Therefore, there is need to look out for new supply points where from the raw materials such as wet blue / crust semi finished leathers etc can be sourced.

The CLE has identified African continent, which are very strong in livestock population and hence generation of hides and skins. Ethiopia & Kenya have large livestock population, making it one of the largest producers of raw leather, hides and skins in Africa.

It is learnt that the tanneries in these countries are looking out for some investments and technical assistance in the form of technical know-how to produce better quality leathers.  Indian tanneries can seize the opportunity and enter into joint venture tie ups with the tanneries in Ethiopia and Kenya, so that raw hides and skins can be converted into semi finished leathers such as crust leathers, wet blue leathers etc, and then imported into India.

In order to explore the possibilities in this regard, the CLE proposes to take a Delegation comprising of tanners and leather products manufacturers to Ethiopia and Kenya as per the following schedule; 

Indian Missions and UNIDO (which is having a strong presence in Africa) in Ethiopia and Kenya are in the process of drawing up the programmes for the Delegation.  Eastern and Southern Africa Leather Industries Association (ESALIA) has also agreed to provide cooperation and support to the Delegation.

There is no participation fee for joining the Delegation. Delegates have to make their own travel arrangements / expenses such as air-tickets, accommodation etc. Travel logistics will be worked out in due course, and the same will be intimated to members joining the Delegation.

Interested members of the CLE desirous of joining the Delegation may immediately contact CLE and submit the Registration Form, which can be downloaded from the CLE Website www.leatherindia.org.