The   30th  edition  of  the  India  International  Leather   Fair ( February 1 – 3, 2015) was formally  opened with  lighting  the  auspicious  ceremonial  lamp Kuthuvillaku at  the  Chennai   Trade   Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai, today.  The fair was formally  inaugurated by the high dignitaries present on the dais, Mr. J.S. Deepak, Chairman  and  Managing    Director , India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed , Chairman, CLE, Mr. R. Ramesh Kumar, Executive Director, CLE,  Mr. P.R. Aqeel Ahmed, Chairman (South), CLE, Mr. Subhash Kapoor, Vice-Chairman, CLE and  Mr.V. Kumar, General Manager, ITPO.

Presenting  the CLE Awards for  “Excellence  in  Leather  Exports” to  the  winners (2013-2014)  , MR. J.S. Deepak  complimented  the  Council  for   Leather Exports (CLE) and other apex leather bodies for significant contribution towards enhancing leather exports from the leather sector.  He expressed his happiness towards the performance of the India’s leather industry where leather and leather products have scaled new heights and touched the value of US$ 6 billion mark in 2013-14, attaining the status of 7th largest exporter in the global leather trade.  Dwelling upon the several supportive initiatives by the Central Government, he asked the industry to adhere on eco-friendly global  standards in  manufacturing and brand promotion  to   meet   high  expectation  of  the  world  from  India .

Emphasizing  to   empower of   millions of  the  disadvantaged  leather  artisans  through   adequate skill  development  and  connecting  them with   marketing   channels globally, Mr. Deepak, pointed out that  the   leather  industry  has  huge potential for socio-economic development. Healso mentioned that under the major initiatives of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, ITPO is committed to showcase excellence of ‘brand India’ globally.

Referring “  Make  in   India”  campaign , launched   by  Hon’ble   Prime   Minister  of   India, ,  Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, CLE in  his  address pointed out that the  campaign  would  provide  fresh impetus   to  the  leather  sector. He   said   that Indian Leather Industry has an annual turnover of over US$ 12 billion from both exports and domestic trade. He informed that  export of leather and leather products has increased manifold over the past decades, touching US$ 5.90 billion in 2013-14.   The sector now has   set a target of US $ 27 billion in the next 5 year, he added.

 Complimenting the award winning exporters, CLE Chief informed that a total of 86 member-exporters have been selected for best export performance in different product categories under various export turnover slabs.

Highlighting  salient  features  of  the  fair , Mr. V Kumar   informed  that   this  year,444 prominent companies  including 143  companies  from 23  countries   are  participating  as   compared  to 385 exhibitors   including 98 overseas  from 18  countries  last  year. He  informed  that  China ,  France , Italy  and   Brazil have  set up  their   national  pavilion  while  Australia , Lithuania, Mexico, Russia  and  Sweden are  among  the  new  countries  in  the   fair. He informed that this year, the fair has been organized with improved  logistics   and  facilities  for  the   Indian  and  overseas buyers and    business  delegates.

The IILF (February 01-2-3, 2015)  is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. The entry fee is Rs.200/- per visitor per day. The sale of tickets will be from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.  on all days at the entrance gate and registration counter at Hall No. 3A. There isl be free entry for pre-registered visitors and foreign buyers. There is no free entry for student groups.