To enhance India’s exports and exploring possibilities of bilateral trade concerning leather and leather products segment with the CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) had organized visit of Uzbekistan delegation to India mainly for Agra and Kanpur region. [Uzbekistan team keen for joint ventures with Indian leather cos – Times of India]
Six companies have shown interest in exploring joint ventures possibilities after having one-to-one interaction with the members of the delegation during the meeting with members of exporters of the central region held at the office complex in Unnao on Wednesday.
CLE vice-chairman RK Jalan while welcoming the Uzbekistan delegation and industry members and the participants, said that the top leading exporters of the country are basically from Kanpur region and therefore the possibilities of joint venturing with Uzbek counterparts become more important for investing in Uzbekistan.
He added this region is manufacturing all kinds of leather and leather products and is one of the leading production centres and export hubs in India. This region is one of the largest and single centres for manufacturing and exports of saddlery and harness goods in India. The visit of this delegation will play a pivotal role in strengthening the leather industry and enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries, Jalan said.
Former CLE chairman said the Government of Uzbekistan and its leather industry has extended their support to the foreign investors. He suggested an Indian delegation should visit Uzbekistan for a detailed discussion and then formulate an action plan to explore business opportunities.
Considering the export target of the leather industry as set by the and current international business scenario, India-Uzbekistan trade relations are indeed the need of the hour. The objective of the Uzbek delegation is to invite Indian companies to Uzbekistan and set up manufacturing units of leather, footwear and leather goods, Amin said.
During the meeting a detailed power-point presentation was given by one of the member- delegates wherein he talked about the new opportunities in the leather and footwear industry. The meet was followed by a visit to the leather cluster. Besides Boboev Fakhriddin Atoevich, chairman of Uzcharmsanoat Association, Uzbekistan, and CLE office-bearers attend the meeting.
