United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNIDO was set up in 1966 and became a specialized agency  of the United Nations Organization (UN) in 1985.  As part of the UNITED NATIONS common system, UNIDO has responsibility for promoting industrialization throughout the developing world, in cooperation with its 171 Member States and with the help of  its offices represented in 35 developing countries.  UNIDO helps developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their fight against marginalization in today's globalized world. It mobilizes knowledge, skills, information and technology to promote productive employment, a competitive economy and a sound environment.

The Textile and Leather Unit (TLU) within the Agro-Industries and Sectoral Support Branch (AGR), Programme Development and Technical Cooperation Division (PTC) focuses on integrated sector interventions, strengthening, establishing or rebuilding the leather and leather products (including footwear) value chains from producers to local, regional and international markets.  Pilot enterprises are assisted in their rehabilitation through improved technological processes and operations, streamlined plant layouts, smoother production flow, improved product quality, enhancing productivity, developing labour and managerial skills as well as evaluating business opportunities, building product ranges.  Marketing capabilities are upgraded through the availability of up-to-date fashion and market trends information, improved product ranges supported by cost information and pricing strategies, advice on product design and innovation, established mechanisms for promotion of local products on international markets through the participation to trade fairs and trade missions.  A dialogue is maintained with and support of the world leather-based industry sub-sector through the Leather and Leather Products Industry Panel meetings, preparation of publications related to leather-related marketing and trade; design and product development; technology; pollution control; quality requirements; information sources and training opportunities