The Hindu Business Line : Kolkata to host leather goods fair

THE three-day export-oriented `International Leather Goods Fair-2004' here from October 3 is expected to witness a major Italian and French participation this time around.

The ILGF - 2004 is organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), in collaboration with the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) and the Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA), and supported by the West Bengal Government.

While the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, will be holding the technical seminars, a fashion show to showcase the talents of the local designers would be held by Freya Design.

Speaking on `Kolkata as destination for leather goods' at a curtain-raiser for ILGF-2004 here, on Wednesday, Mr S.S. Kumar, Chairman, Council for Leather Exports (CLE), said the city has now come into international focus as a hub for value-added leather goods such as bags, wallets, gloves etc, accounting for nearly 65 per cent of the country's total leather goods exports.

Mr Kumar said the capabilities of the Kolkata leather goods manufacturers was now well recognised by the European buyers, who have achieved consolidation through formation of the European Leather Goods Association (ELGA).

The CLE Chairman said the fair would also help promote the Indian leather goods in the SAARC countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh.

According to Mr M.V. Kulkarni, President, ILPA, given the standards already achieved in fashion and design, India was now well equipped to compete with the best in the world, and this has been recognised by the discerning foreign buyers seeking well designed, crafted leather products and accessories. He said the product-specific Kolkata ILGF, in 2003, transacted business worth Rs 6.25 crore. Germany alone, he informed, accounted for some 14.5 per cent of the country's total leather goods exports during the period April-December 2003.

He said once all the modernised tanneries in city shift to the newly set up Kolkata Leather Complex outside the city, the export scenario for leather goods in the eastern region will really brighten.

Mr Kulkarni said about 36 units have confirmed participation.

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