The Council of Leather Exports is working with the commerce ministry to draw a blueprint for setting up these zones in different parts of the country where a substantial base of tanneries and raw material is available. These SEZs may come up in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
"The Council has already discussed targets with Kanpur region and the action for developing an SEZ in Banthar near the city is being explored," a government official said. CLE, in partnership with Chennai-based Consortium of Shoe Manufacturers, is also exploring the possibility of setting up an SEZ park at Tada in Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation will be the developer of the SEZ and file an application seeking in-principle sanction for the zone. CLE and CSM would support the park in terms of marketing and advising the developer on technical issues.
Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation has also mooted an SEZ in Perambadur district for leather products and have sought CLE's involvement in the project. CLE is debating the proposal among its members. State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu has also proposed a leather SEZ at Irungattukottai and a footwear complex in Chennai.
An SEZ in Irungattukottai proposed by CSM has already got in-principle nod from Board of Approval. It will now be transferred to Sipcot.
