Shoe project could save leather sector
24/11/2008
The Argentinian government will attempt to save its manufacturing sector from collapse during the current global economic downturn and it will start with the leather sector, with a special footwear project at the heart.
This was the message that emerged from a meeting between commerce secretary Guillermo Moreno and leather industry representatives on November 18.
Mr Moreno said the government would put together a detailed plan that it believes would revive the meat, tanning and leathergoods and footwear manufacturing industries and use it as a template for other helping other manufacturing sectors in Argentina, including textiles, automobiles and domestic appliances.
Full details have still to emerge, but the government’s idea hinges on convincing companies throughout the leather value chain to work together to make shoes (with a particular emphasis on school shoes for children) and leathergoods, made in Argentina from Argentinian leather, available in the nation’s shops at prices that are at similar levels to those of imported goods.
The minister said it would set up a credit of up to $150 million at the national bank to help the industry achieve this aim.
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