Piyush Goyal Urges Leather Sector to Aim Global Growth

Union Minister Piyush Goyal called on India's leather industry to embrace global opportunities by leveraging newly concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), while highlighting the country's rich 7,000-year-old leather-making tradition.

Speaking at an industry event, Goyal said evidence of India's ancient leather craftsmanship can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. He emphasized the need to recognize and celebrate the contribution of Indian artisans and craftsmen, whose skills continue to drive the country's manufacturing and export potential.

The minister said the leather sector has a significant role to play in strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat by producing high-quality products that can successfully compete in international markets.

Goyal also announced that the UK-India Free Trade Agreement will come into force on 15 July, while the EU-India FTA is progressing through the legal scrutiny stage and is expected to move forward within the next 15–20 days.

Expressing confidence in India's export prospects, he urged businesses to take full advantage of these trade agreements and pursue ambitious growth targets.

"We are ready to get the best out of the FTAs that we have finalized. The time is right for all of you to aim big and aspire for much bigger achievements," Goyal said.