The COMESA/LLPI Delegates composed of the Executive Director, Dr Mwinyihija Mwinyikione and the Value Chain Expert, Professor Mekonnen Hailemariam attended the 49th Leather Research Industry Get-Together (LERIG) 2015 Conference held from January 28 to 30, 2015 in Chennai, India.
LERIG is organized by CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) of India in association with the stakeholders of the leather sector including Council for Leather Exports, Leather and Leather Products Trade Bodies and Associations with active support from CSIR Network Partners, Institutions and Universities. The conference with the Theme of “Human Resource Development Opportunities and Paradigms for Empowerment (HOPE) of Leather Sector” was attended by more than 300 participants. The three days conference had 6 technical sessions with a total of 25 papers presented.
Two of the technical sessions were chaired by LLPI delegates Dr. Mwinyihija and Prof. Mekonnen. The Executive Director presented as a guest of honor in the opening session and paid tribute to the late Padma Shri A Nagappa Chettiar an inspiring legend in the development of the leather sector in India. Prof. Mekonnen, later also presented a paper entitled “Unlocking the African Leather Sector Potential through Human Resource Development: The Role of LLPI”. The conference was successfully completed with the issuance of awards to institutions and individuals who had significant contribution for the leather sector development. LLPI’s role and presence during the conference was highly appreciated and added value by providing an overview of a wider African context. Memorabilia were presented to the LLPI delegates to celebrate their participation during the LERIG proceedings.
The LLPI delegates also took the opportunity to meet and discuss with different institutions and organizations who attended the conference, for possible establishment of collaborative activities with COMESA/LLPI. The Leather Sector Skill Council, Tata International, Chennai Leather Association and Asia environmental group spearheading sustainable development towards the leather sector were among the institutions met and discussed. Closer research with eminent scientists with the Executive Director towards R&D in Africa with a global dimension was also discussed at length with prospects of collaboration.