International leather expo in Delhi from July 28

NEW DELHI: As much as 200 leather products makers, including from the US, the UK and Italy, will participate in a global fair to be held here from July 28.

To increase the share of leather products in country's overall exports, the government has asked exporters to raise shipments of value-added products, especially high-end shoes and leather garments instead of only finished leather.

With a view to achieve the aim, India is organising the world's most famous leather fair for the first time here to attract international buyers, foreign partners and investors, Expo Riva Schuh Chief Advisor Roney Simon told PTI.

The three-day fair will be held in collaboration with Council for Leather Exports and state-run India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

The fair will have 200 global participants, including from the US, UK, Italy, Germany, Pakistan and India, he said.

"This fair, which has a revenue generating capacity of Rs 2,000-4,000 crore, will allow buyers to come and buy finished goods instead of importing leather from India," Simon said.

He said that increase in exports of value-added products would help in raising income and creating jobs for millions of people.

In 2010-2011, the country exported leather goods worth about USD 3.8 billion. The industry provides employment to 2.5 million people.

"We expect goods orders from the fair. The 100 companies from abroad will be interested in partnering with India, who can manufacture their products. Some of them will also invest here with a joint venture partnership," Simon added.

Expo Riva Schuh fair is the most popular fair for low to medium-priced footwears, conducted twice every year in Italy and now this year it will held in India also.