New Delhi, 28th January 2025 – The stage is set for the 6th edition of the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) – Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM), scheduled for February 20-21, 2025, at the state-of-the-art India International Convention and Expo Center (IICC), Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. Organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) with funding from the Government of India under the MAI (Market Access Initiative) Scheme, this event is poised to strengthen India’s position in the global leather and footwear industry.
A Look Back: The 5th Edition’s Success
The previous edition of DILEX, held in March 2024, saw tremendous success, attracting 165 Indian exhibitors and 125+ foreign buyers from key international markets, alongside several Indian buying houses and agents.
Key takeaways from the 5th edition:
- 950 business meetings facilitated during the event.
- Business worth an estimated ₹159.65 crore was generated.
- Indian exhibitors reported positive outcomes, including engagement with both existing and new buyers.
What’s New in the 6th Edition?
With a larger scale and broader global participation, the upcoming 6th edition aims to build on the momentum of its predecessor.
- Exhibitors: Around 200 Indian exhibitors will showcase their products, an increase from the previous edition.
- Overseas Buyers: The event is set to welcome 225-250 foreign buyers, predominantly from Europe and the United States.
- Venue: Hall 1B at IICC, spanning 3,500 sq. meters, will host the expo.
- Indian Buying Agents: A significant presence of buying houses and agents from across India will further bolster networking opportunities.
Diverse Product Categories
The expo will feature a wide array of products, including:
- Leather and non-leather footwear for men, women, and children.
- Leather garments, such as jackets and motorbike apparel.
- Leather goods and accessories, including handbags, belts, and small leather items.
- Industrial and fashion gloves.
- Finished leather and footwear components.
- Specialized items like safety and defense products, Kolhapuri chappals, leather toys, and other handcrafted leather products.
Strategic Importance
As India continues to expand its footprint in the global leather and footwear market, the DILEX platform plays a critical role in fostering international trade and collaboration. The event facilitates one-on-one business meetings, providing exhibitors and buyers with an exclusive opportunity to establish and strengthen business relationships. According to industry insiders, the 6th edition of DILEX is expected to further enhance export opportunities for Indian manufacturers and showcase the country’s growing capabilities in both leather and non-leather product segments.
Expectations and Vision
CLE, under the guidance of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to position this edition as a landmark event in India’s leather industry calendar. By offering a comprehensive showcase of products and hosting a robust lineup of global buyers, the expo is set to achieve significant business outcomes while reinforcing India’s reputation as a hub for quality craftsmanship and innovation. The event promises to bring together stakeholders from across the industry, setting the stage for meaningful partnerships and substantial business growth.
