PTA ask for ‘leather ministry’
18 October 2010The Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) have asked the national government to establish a ‘leather ministry’ similar to one already formed by the country’s textile sector.
Khurshid Alam, PTA Chairman has contacted the Pakistan Prime Minister to suggest that a leather ministry be established on the same template of the country’s ‘textile ministry’, which is already established. Alam says that the leather industry is the second largest value-added industrial sector in Pakistan, which is facing a plethora of problems. The leather and leather products industries contribute almost more than half a billion dollars in foreign exchange earnings to the national exchequer. Today, Pakistan is among the leading countries of the world in the production of leather garments and gloves.
The leather and leather products industries play a significant role in the national economy and represent 4% of national GDP. Ten years ago, leather was the fifth most important export industry in the manufacturing sector, and now it is second.
If Pakistan is to maintain its share in the world leather market, it will have to upgrade its leather industry. This will involve a shift from exporting finished leather to quality value-added products such as garments, gloves, etc.
