Kolkata, Oct 26 West Bengal’s leather industry could double its exports, currently valued at around Rs 5,000 crore, and employment over the next few years with improvements in infrastructure, the Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA) said on Monday.
“Though there is support, if the government improves infrastructure, the sector can double its turnover and employment over the next few years,” ILPA president Md Azhar said, while announcing an upcoming leather fair and fashion show.
The state’s leather industry employs around five lakh people, including two lakh at the Bantala Leather Complex, said Akash Nayyar, vice-president of the association.
The industry is looking to expand its international reach, with at least 46 overseas buyers confirming participation in the upcoming ‘AILPA 2.0’ despite geopolitical headwinds, ILPA senior vice-president Rajarshi Dey said.
The three-day fair will be held at the Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre here from October 28-30, alongside the flagship fashion show, ‘Leather on the Ramp 2026’, scheduled at Hotel Hyatt Regency on October 29.
Six participants, including five premium exporters from Kolkata and a design studio, will showcase their collections at the fashion show. Around 16 leading Indian brands are also expected to be present, Dey said.
Azhar said the state government was promoting manufacturing and exports, and developing the ILPA leather goods park into a “world-class production hub”.
“Our motto is ‘Think Leather, Think Bengal’. We are privileged that our government is proactive in promoting manufacturing and exports here,” he said.
Dey said free trade agreements (FTAs) could benefit the sector through lower tariffs and wider access to international markets, creating additional business opportunities for Indian manufacturers and exporters.
ILPA fashion show committee chairman Arjun M Kulkarni said the initiative aims to generate employment across manufacturing, design, retail and exports, supported by demand in domestic and international markets.
ILPA, which represents more than 200 manufacturers, exporters and other industry stakeholders, is also promoting vocational training and skill development to strengthen the sector’s workforce.
The association expects India’s leather exports to cross USD 8 billion in 2026-27.
(PTI News)
