An Indian industry insider has said several steps are being taken to help the country achieve an 8%-10% growth in leather exports within the next two years.

India’s Council for Leather Exports (CLE) is planning buyer-seller meets in different countries, including Italy, Germany and Australia, as well as participation in global trade fairs in a bid to achieve their target.

The Council for Leather Exports’ chairman, P R Aqeel Ahmed, said the labour-intensive sector has huge potential to earn foreign exchange for the country and to create jobs for youth.

Currently, Europe accounts for roughly 70% of India’s leather exports. The sector employs around 42,000 people.