Chennai :

Several African countries have been taking advantage of India’s expertise in the leather sector and the latest to join the bandwagon is Botswana. Scientists from Chennai-based Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), who have already been offering expertise to the governments of Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia, will now help establish a leather park in the land-locked country in southern Africa.

A survey will be conducted and a feasibility report submitted. CLRI bagged the project based on a proposal sent to the government of Botswana three months ago.

“It is a $30,000 project. The park the Botswana government will be setting up would be a full-fledged industrial complex. It will be similar to the one we have in Kolkata but in terms of size, it will be smaller than the one we have here,” said Dr B Chandrasekaran, chief scientist, Centre for Human and Organisational Resources Development, CLRI.

He said a team of experts from the CLRI would conduct a large-scale survey in the African country and a feasibility report would be submitted to its government in three months time. “It is basically taking stock of the situation. The survey will include the animal and human population, meat-eating habits, raw material use, import and export of hides (animal skin), machinery, manpower and status of industries. The report will also suggest suitable location and all that is needed to set up an integrated park,” said Chandrasekaran.

CLRI has already been providing advice to other African countries, including Ethiopia, where they have been working on an 24.4 crore project to develop a leather Institute. They have also offered expertise in developing academic curriculum and investments in the field in Egypt and Sudan.

“Manpower in India and China is no more cheaper and manufacturers are looking to Africa as the next hub. That is the case in any sector. In Botswana, too, we can, in the future, play a role in establishing institutions for manpower development for the park,” Chandrasekaran said and added that offering expertise would also help in expanding India’s commercial relations.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / by U. Tenonmayam, TNN / November 04th, 2014