Addressing the Council for Leather Exports National Export Excellence Award function in New Delhi, he said that the Indian leather sector is expecting higher growth in 2023 while most countries are going through inflation and reduced consumer spending.
He further asked the industry to take advantage of new and upcoming free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries such as the UAE, where leather exports jumped by 64% in November 2022 thanks to a new FTA.
The minister also noted concerns of the sector around import duties and standards and assured stakeholders that the government will consider how it can support the sector in all of these areas.
Goyal added that the government is working on a scheme to bring new machinery to the leather industry and urged the sector to invest in innovation and sustainability for leather.
