KARACHI, May 19: Leather exports increased by 6.48 per cent to $546 million during the first nine months (July-March) of this fiscal year as compared to $513 million the same period last year.

Chairman Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) S M Naseem was hopeful that the export target of $715 million proposed by the association to EPB for 2003-04 would be achieved.

"If the exports of leather and leather products continue to show upward trend it is expected that the set target proposed by the PTA at $260 million for leather tanned and $755 million for leather products for the next financial year 2004-05 will also be achieved," he added.

However, the success in achieving the target would depend on the export-friendly policies of the government and its expeditious implementation in letter and spirit, he said. "The more incentives and facilities are provided to exporters of leather industry, the more exports will be made by the members of PTA.

Mr Naseem said his association stressed upon the government to formulate export promotional budget and trade policy for the upcoming financial year 2004-05 to encourage exporters in the ultimate national interest.