Introduction: #
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) is an autonomous non-profit organization under the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was established in 1984 with the aim of promoting and developing exports of leather and leather products from India. The CLE represents the Indian leather industry and acts as a bridge between the government and the industry. In this article, we will discuss the functions, objectives, and activities of the Council for Leather Exports.
Objectives of the Council for Leather Exports: #
The primary objective of the Council for Leather Exports is to promote and develop the export of leather and leather products from India. The CLE aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Indian leather industry in the global market. It also aims to increase the share of Indian leather exports in the global market. Some of the other objectives of the CLE are:
- To facilitate the development of the Indian leather industry by providing necessary support, guidance, and advice.
- To create awareness about the potential of the Indian leather industry and its products in the global market.
- To undertake market research and analysis to identify potential markets for Indian leather products.
- To organize participation in trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase Indian leather products.
- To provide training and skill development to the workforce in the Indian leather industry.
- To provide information about government policies, schemes, and incentives related to the leather industry.
Functions of the Council for Leather Exports: #
The Council for Leather Exports performs various functions to promote and develop the Indian leather industry. Some of the key functions of the CLE are:
Market Development: The CLE undertakes market research and analysis to identify potential markets for Indian leather products. It also organizes trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase Indian leather products and create awareness about the potential of the Indian leather industry in the global market.
Export Promotion: The CLE provides necessary support and guidance to Indian leather exporters to enhance their competitiveness in the global market. It also undertakes promotional activities such as organizing buyer-seller meets, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and advertisement campaigns to promote Indian leather products.
Skill Development: The CLE provides training and skill development to the workforce in the Indian leather industry. It also facilitates the development of training institutions and centers to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce.
Information Dissemination: The CLE provides information about government policies, schemes, and incentives related to the leather industry. It also disseminates information about international trade regulations and standards to Indian leather exporters.
Industry Development: The CLE facilitates the development of the Indian leather industry by providing necessary support, guidance, and advice. It also undertakes various initiatives to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the Indian leather industry.
Activities of the Council for Leather Exports: #
The Council for Leather Exports undertakes various activities to promote and develop the Indian leather industry. Some of the key activities of the CLE are:
Participation in Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: The CLE organizes participation in various international trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase Indian leather products and create awareness about the potential of the Indian leather industry in the global market. For example, the CLE organized participation in the Lineapelle Fair held in Milan, Italy, in February 2020.
Buyer-Seller Meets: The CLE organizes buyer-seller meets to facilitate business transactions between Indian leather exporters and international buyers. For example, the CLE organized a buyer-seller meet in Chennai in February 2020, where more than 40 international buyers participated.
Training and Skill Development: The CLE provides training and skill development to the workforce in the Indian leather industry. It also facilitates the development of training institutions and centers to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce. For example, the CLE organized a skill development program in collaboration with the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in July 2020, which aimed to enhance the skills of footwear technicians and operators.
Export Promotion: The CLE undertakes various export promotion activities such as organizing trade delegations, participating in trade fairs and exhibitions, and advertising campaigns to promote Indian leather products in the global market. For example, the CLE organized a trade delegation to the USA in September 2019, which aimed to explore business opportunities and promote Indian leather products in the US market.
Policy Advocacy: The CLE represents the Indian leather industry and advocates policies and schemes that are beneficial for the industry. It also provides inputs to the government on various issues related to the leather industry. For example, the CLE provided inputs to the government on the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union, which would have a significant impact on the Indian leather industry.
Achievements of the Council for Leather Exports: #
The Council for Leather Exports has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of the Indian leather industry. Some of the achievements of the CLE are:
Increase in Leather Exports: The CLE has played a key role in promoting and developing the Indian leather industry, which has resulted in an increase in leather exports from India. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the exports of leather and leather products from India were USD 6.23 billion in 2019-20, which was an increase of 3.23% compared to the previous year.
Market Diversification: The CLE has played a crucial role in diversifying the market for Indian leather products. India’s traditional markets for leather products were Europe and the USA. However, the CLE has identified new markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, which has led to an increase in exports to these regions.
Skill Development: The CLE has played a significant role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of the workforce in the Indian leather industry. The CLE has facilitated the development of training institutions and centers, which has resulted in an increase in the availability of skilled manpower in the industry.
Export Promotion: The CLE has undertaken various export promotion activities, which has resulted in an increase in the visibility and demand for Indian leather products in the global market. The CLE has organized participation in various international trade fairs and exhibitions, which has provided a platform for Indian leather exporters to showcase their products to international buyers.
Conclusion:
The Council for Leather Exports has played a crucial role in the development and promotion of the Indian leather industry. The CLE has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of the Indian leather industry in the global market. The CLE has facilitated the development of training institutions and centers, which has enhanced the skills and knowledge of the workforce in the Indian leather industry. The CLE has also identified new markets for Indian leather products, which has led to an increase in exports to these regions. The achievements of the CLE demonstrate the important role played by the organization in promoting and developing the Indian leather industry.