Vellore to get 100 acre leather cluster

Chennai: The small leather businesses in Tamil Nadu may soon have a dedicated leather park in Vellore as the Tamil Nadu state government and Council for Leather Exports take forward a plan to deepen the state’s leather making strengths. Tamil Nadu exports nearly 40% of the country’s leather — garments and footwear.
Addressing a conference, Israr Ahmed, regional chairman, Council for Leather Exports (CLE), the trade body of leather exporters, said, “An MSME park is planned in Vellore across 100 acres dedicated for leather units.We are working out the modalities with the state government,” he said.
The state, is also investing in upgrading the effluent treatment systems that are in place.
“The government has sanctioned Rs 102 crore to upgrade the 13 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and that should help the industry significantly,” he said. Leather exports from India are guided to grow to $10 billion by 2020 from the present $ 6 billion.
“The indications are very strong. With several markets turning expensive the focus is on Indian leather makers. The trade wars between the US and China will further help the Indian leather business,” said PR Aqeel Ahmed, chairman, CLE.
The labour market in China is becoming expensive. From $120 to $150 a month the wages have risen to $450 a month, he said.
He also said that several Chinese companies were considering setting up manufacturing operations in India. The city, will host the 34th India International Leather Fair between February 1 and 3. “We have 450 exhibitors from across the world including Brazil, China, France, Germany and Italy,” Ahmed said.