Leather Export Council of Egypt (LEC) has taken part in three meetings held by the ministry of industry and trade to discuss a slump seen in merchandise exports.

In statements on Friday, LEC's Chairman Ahmed Short said that the export councils called on the ministry to restore the old system that was applied to support exports and trade missions.

Short added that the newly introduced system withheld the dues of exporters for periods exceeding ten months.

LEC was formed by a ministerial decree as a regulatory body under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

One of the main objectives of the council is to support the Egyptian Leather exporters and manufacturers to increase their exports and competitiveness in the global markets in comply with government's export strategy for the Leather sectors in Egypt.