New Delhi, Jan 4 (KNN) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Tuesday noted concerns of the leather industry about import duties on certain types of leather and assured that it will be taken up for consideration.

He stressed on India’s potential to become a world leader in footwear and leather sector with the efforts of both government and industry.

The minister was addressing the gathering at the Council for Leather Exports National Export Excellence Award function in New Delhi.

In his address to the awardees, the minister asked the organisers to explore the possibility of encouraging new companies, entrepreneurs, startups and those who come up with innovative ideas, enter into uncharted territory with newer markets and products, by recognizing them through these awards.

He suggested some niche award segments can be created for recognizing their contribution- such as rewarding those who make effective use of FTAs etc.

The Minister said as we celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we hope to achieve higher exports than last year - both in goods and services.

“While most of the developed world, who are large consumers of leather products, are going through inflation and subdued consumer spending,” he expressed happiness to get reassurance from leather sector that it would see higher growth compared to last year.

He asked the leather industry to utilize the FTAs being signed by India with various countries to grow, citing the example of UAE, where exports in the sector registered a jump of 64 per cent in November last year as a result of the new agreement.

He also urged the industry stakeholders to avail MOOWR scheme by Department of Revenue, wherein no duty is to be paid on goods which are being imported for the purpose for exports. This will certainly help make business more competitive, he added.

Emphasizing on how Indian Industry has huge untapped potential, he noted that while the Quality of Products manufactured is good, more focus is required on packaging and branding to get better value for the product.

“Indian Mission across the world can help in providing support in terms of outreach and can help connect them with international companies engaged in branding business,” said the minister.

He asked them to look up at expanding horizons- explore new territories, manufacturing new products in India for import substitution.

The minister reassured that the Government is open to amending any standards which are hurting the interests of the Industry.

He also assured full support in terms of setting up testing facilities/ laboratories anywhere in the country to meet the needs of the industry.  (KNN Bureau)