NEW DELHI : Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal  said India has the potential to become a world leader in Footwear and leather sector with the efforts of both Government and industry. He was addressing the gathering at the Council for Leather Exports National Export Excellence Award function in New Delhi.

In his address to the awardees, Shri Goyal 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. He said while most of the developed world, who are large consumers of leather products, are going through inflation and subdued consumer spending, he was happy to get reassurance from Leather sector that it would see higher growth compared to last year.

Shri Goyal noted the concerns of the Leather Industry about import duties on certain types of Leather and assured that it will be taken up for consideration.