Mumbai: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday pegged the Kolhapuri chappal exports to be a USD 1-billion per year opportunity.

The comments came a day after Italian fashion house Prada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two government-run corporations on a project to celebrate Indian craftsmanship in a limited edition, Kolhapuri chappal-inspired sandals to be made in India.

A few months ago, Prada was panned after it was discovered that some of its designs were inspired by the traditional Kolhapuri chappals of western Maharashtra and no credit was given to artisans. The fashion house rushed teams to India after the uproar.

Goyal told reporters that he is very happy for the collaboration between Prada and Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers, and added that Maharashtr

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