In a number of these countries, particularly the least developed countries amongst them, raw hides and skins are among a very few national resources they possess. However, tanning and leather products industries have not received the very high priority they deserve in the national economy. Almost all the national governments concerned have exerted great efforts and spent much capital to build up leather industries; in some cases successfully, but unfortunately often with very unsatisfactory results. Paper prepared for the 3rd UNIDO Leather Panel in 1979 highlights some of the problems.