Delhi International Leather Expo 2025 Opens With Record Global Participation

New Delhi, Feb 20 (KNN) The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) launched its sixth Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) today at the India International Convention & Expo Centre in New Delhi.

The two-day Reverse Buyer Seller Meet, supported by the Government of India's Market Access Initiative Scheme, demonstrates the nation's growing influence in the global leather and footwear sector.

This year's exhibition marks significant growth, featuring 225 Indian exhibitors across an expanded 8,000-square-meter space in Hall 1B.

The event has attracted over 200 international buyers from 52 countries, primarily from European and U.S. markets, representing a substantial increase from the previous edition's 130 participants.

More than 500 representatives from Indian buying houses, retailers, and trade buyers are also attending, creating robust networking opportunities.

During the inauguration ceremony, Department of Commerce Joint Secretary Vimal Anand highlighted India's post-pandemic recovery in the leather sector.

He emphasised the industry's resilience and outlined the nation's ambitious target of achieving USD 7 billion in exports for FY 2025-26.

Anand noted that recent policy measures, including import duty exemptions on wet blue leather and enhanced credit guarantees for MSMEs, position India favourably to capitalise on emerging global opportunities.

CLE Chairman RK Jalan addressed the evolving global trade landscape, noting how India's leather industry has maintained growth despite challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and shifting international trade dynamics.

He emphasised the industry's goal of establishing India among the top five global exporters by FY 2025-26, aligning with the Department of Commerce's export targets.

The exhibition serves as a strategic platform for international trade collaboration, facilitating direct engagement between manufacturers and global buyers.

As India strengthens its position as an alternative sourcing destination under the ‘China Plus One’ strategy, DILEX 2025 underscores the country's dedication to innovation and sustainable development in the leather and footwear sectors.

(KNN Bureau)