(a) whether there is a scope to promote the export of leather and leather items from India;
(b) if so, the efforts made in this regard during last three years and to what extent the exports have increased;
(c) whether any such plan has been drawn up for 2004-05; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)
(a)&(b) Yes Sir. The Government of India has taken steps to promote the export of leather products inter-alia through export promotion schemes such as Market Development Assistance (MDA) and Market Access Initiative (MAI). Exports of leather and leather products have recorded an increase from US$ 1604 million in 1999-2000 to US$ 2005 million (provisional) during 2003-2004.
(c)&(d) An Action-Plan for 2004-2005 has been formulated for market promotional activities in different overseas markets, which include publicity and image-building campaign, organizing buyer-seller-meets, participation in international fairs and supporting Indian exporters to establish design studios and establishment of warehouses/showrooms abroad. Government has also planned export promotion activities under Focus programmes in Latin American and Caribbean countries, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).