Leather sector, which is Pakistan's second largest export revenue generating sector after textiles, experienced export plunge of 27 percent in July-November 2009 to $198 million, informed Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA).
Raw leather shipments from the country plummeted by 24 percent, while the export of leather garments, leather gloves and other leather products slipped down by 16 percent, 60 percent and 40 percent respectively, as per the Federal Bureau of Statistics.
The industry experts want government to take steps to facilitate the leather export sector, alike the steps taken by the Indian government for its leather industry. The Indian government released a relief package of Rs 4 billion under the 10th plan and Rs 9.13 billion under 11th plan, which helped Indian leather exporters to enhance their exports by 30 percent.
Pakistan needs to take substantial steps and frame aggressive policies to regain its stand in the global market. Other countries including China, India and Bangladesh took immediate steps to salvage their leather industry, and if Pakistan enjoys the same level playing field, its leather industry will attain heights as it has great potential to grow.
The expert demanded State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and government authorities to allow foreign exchange booking against imports. He pointed out that, owing to electricity and gas load-shedding at the main tanneries centers of the country, around 15 percent of the skins and hides got damaged resulting in the loss of Rs. 2.5 billion.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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