An Indian delegation comprising executives from six major leathercompanies that supply the footwear, furniture and automotive industriesmet around 20 Vietnamese counterparts in HCM City on June 9 to explorebusiness opportunities.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines ofthe event, D Gokulakrishnan, officer on special duty for the Councilfor Leather Exports of India, said Vietnam was one of the world'slargest footwear exporters while India was also one of the world leadingexporters of leather, leather products and footwear.

"Vietnamand India can cooperate in many areas: for instance, Vietnamesecompanies can come to India to procure leather, leather upholstery,finished leather for shoes, and footwear components.

"On theother hand, Indian footwear companies can come here to establish theirunits and tap the huge market potential here because Vietnam is going tosign agreements like the TPP and an FTA with the EU."

Tran DoanDong, Director of Dong Thinh Shoes Joint Stock Company, said he came tothe event to source good leather to make shoes for export.

Gokulakrishnan said India's leather exports to Vietnam remained modest because of certain issues like transportation.

Butwith frequent exchanges between the two countries, the bilateralleather trade was expected to increase by at least five to six times inthe years to come, he said.

The event was organised by theVietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry's HCM City office and theCouncil for Leather Exports of India.-VNA