Arun Kumar, Professor - FDDI

Footwear and Products Industry holds a prominent place in Indian economy in terms of employment generation and exports earnings. India has a 2.6 per cent share in the global leather trade and this sector ranks eighth in terms of the country foreign exchange earnings from the industry. With affluence of raw materials, skilled manpower, innovative technology, and the strong presence of the allied industries, the sector has tremendous potential for growth and employment generation. Government of India has also recognised this as the Priority sector under Make in India initiative and targets to enhance the turnover to US $ 27 billion by 2020 (from the present turnover of US $ 12.60 billion) and employment from 3.1 million people to 6 million in next 5 years. India is today the most favorable sourcing and manufacturing base destination for the leading countries like Italy, Germany, UK, USA, Hong Kong, France, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium.