Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Managing Director (MD), FDDI attended the academia-industry panel discussion on the topic ‘Emerging Trends of the Leather Bags and Accessories Industry’ as ‘Chief Guest’ which was held on 29th March, 2024 during the 26th edition of India Leather & Accessories Fair, 2024 (ILAF) in the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre.
The other eminent members of the panel included Dr. Sakhwar - Director – ICAR, Kolkata, Mr. Debasish Dey - CLE - Regional Director, Mr. Jagdish Gulati-VP-ILPA, and industry personnel namely, Mr. Gaurav Nathani from Sheet Kamal- Jaipur, Mr. Amit Bijoria from Ski Group and Mr. Sanjoy Sen.
Delivering the ‘Keynote Address’, Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, MD, FDDI said, “The increasing disposable income of consumers, rise in fashion consciousness, and growing demand for luxury products are the major factors driving revenue growth in the Leather Goods market especially the Leather Bags and Accessories.”
“Innovation in leather production technology, like sustainable sourcing practices and new tanning methods, is the need of the hour to make the leather Bags and Accessories industry more socially responsible and environmentally friendly,” added Colonel Sinha.
The programme was attended by Mr. Sunil Kumar U, Executive Director (ED), FDDI - Kolkata campus, technical experts from the industry, overseas buyers, academicians and researchers. It was anchored by Ms. Basumitra Ghosh Mukherjee, Head of COE, FDDI Kolkata.
The eminent panelists spoke about the current manufacturing and exports of leather products in the global scenario, the stand of India in terms of designing and manufacturing, cross-cultural influences that enrich leather bag designs with diverse textures, patterns, and craftsmanship traditions, Vegan and other leather alternatives tech-infused utility and integration of AI infused smart features for monitoring production process and automation in manufacturing etc.
The deliberations of the experts invited for the discussion, will play a transformative role in fulfilling the goals of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. .
All the officers, employees and students of the institute took part in the seminar and were delighted as it provided valuable information to do the official work in Hindi.
