Date:01/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/01/stories/2004090101360500.htm

Back Leather units hail proposals

Our Bureau

Chennai , Aug. 31

THE leather industry has welcomed the Foreign Trade Policy. Both leather garment and leather shoe manufacturers said the proposals would help them become more cost-competitive.

Mr M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman of Farida Group, which makes shoes, said the policy was in line with the industry's expectations. He said the exemption of customs duty on import of machinery and equipment for effluent treatment plants would help units of all sizes.

Mr Mohan M. Sreenivas, Managing Director of Orient Express, a leather garment maker, described the policy as a positive one. He said the proposal to remove countervailing duty on inputs such as fur leather and lining for garments was beneficial.