Chennai: Tamilnadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam unveiled the 34th edition of the India International Leather Fair on Thursday. Three-day event will be displaying export prowess of the Indian leather entrepreneurs, and feature their achievements, advancements in technology and innovations, which are all based on environment-friendly norms.
The fair is being organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Council for Leather Exports. The annual fair is also held to project India as an investment destination. The first fair was held in 1986.
Speaking at the inauguration, Panneerselvam said Tamilnadu is the major base for the leather industry in India and contributes 70 per cent of the leather product output. He said India’s leather industry has huge responsibility to cater to requirements of the world. The state also contributes 40 per cent of the leather exports of the country, he said, adding credit to the State for the availability of raw material, skilled labour and technology.
Among the prominent people who took part in the inauguration were State ministers M C Sampath, K C Karuppannan, Council for Leather Exports Chairman P R Aqeel Ahmed and Italian Trade Commissioner in India Francesco Pensabene.
Panneerselvam said, “The world has high expectations from India. The Indian leather industry has a huge responsibility to fulfill it.”
Over 150 exhibitors from overseas took part in the event and more than 450 Indian and foreign companies displayed their products.