On the recommendations of India's Council for Leather Exports, the Indian government has fixed an export target of $7 billion for its leather sector in five years’ time. Exports for the sector are currently $2.69 billion. The Council has drawn up a ‘Road-Map on the Indian Leather Industry’, a vision document for 2010-11, which was presented to Jairam Ramesh, Indian Minister of State, Commerce last month.

The aim of the presentation was to analyse the present growth pattern of Indian leather and leather products exports and to formulate appropriate intervention strategies.

The ambitious target is based on 65% projected exports within the footwear sector.

During the last financial year April 2005 – March 2006, India’s footwear exports performed well and recorded a 20% increase to $787 million from $658 million in the same period in the prior. Total leather sector exports stood at $2694.59 million in this period compared with $2495.37 in April 2004 - March 2005.

The government has pledged to provide additional raw material, labour requirements and other necessary items in order to help achieve this target.

It is hoped that over a million jobs will be created as well as providing new opportunities for entering and developing new markets, including the US, and inviting new investments.