The exports of footwear and leather from the South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka has recorded its highest growth in recent history and clocked over 63 percent surge last year.

 

Addressing the sixth edition of Footwear and Leather Fair in Colombo last week, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said Sri Lanka’s footwear and leather exports have shown a strong growth trend.

 

From registering exports of US$ 31 million in 2013, the footwear and leather sector has earned $51 million last year, which is a growth of over 63 percent, the Minister said.

 

The fair, organized by the Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Industrial Development Board and the Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers’ Association (SLFLPMA), provides a huge platform for Lankan footwear and leather manufacturers and exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to display their products.

 

Minister Bathiudeen said that his Ministry has identified the footwear and leather sector as a thrust industry for development. And hence, the Ministry has taken several initiatives to safeguard the domestic manufacturers and also to develop and promote exports.