- The 58th edition of IFCOMA’s two-day exhibition ‘Shoe Tech Agra’
- Over 60 stalls showcasing more than 32 components
Agra: To boost the footwear component industry in the country, the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), which has been active for over two decades, is organizing the 58th edition of the National Footwear Components Exhibition ‘Shoe Tech’ and the 9th edition in Agra, a two-day grand event, on April 2nd and 3rd at the Madhu Resorts hotel in Agra. During a press conference held at Hotel Holiday-Inn on Tuesday, the officials of IFCOMA provided detailed information about the event.
Components are the Key Link in Shoe Production
Puran Dawar, President of Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC), shared that components are the key link in shoe production. Therefore, IFCOMA’s exhibition is a boon for shoe traders. Like every year, the ‘Shoe Tech Agra’ exhibition will feature all the components used in shoe production under one roof. A special feature of this event is that it provides a direct opportunity for buyers and sellers to connect, helping to lay the foundation for future business through mutual dialogue.
India is the 11th Largest Footwear Exporter in the World
Manju Mann, Executive Director of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in Noida, addressed the media and explained that FDDI was established to meet the demand for trained professionals in the footwear and leather industry. It plays a significant role in preparing skilled professionals for the industry, promoting innovation in design and production, and making the industry globally competitive. Footwear designing is also a science, and we are working in this direction through research on components. Footwear plays a major role in the medical field as well. With 11.63% of the world’s total production of 17.7 billion pairs of shoes, India is the second-largest producer of footwear, after China. According to data from 2022, India exported $3.13 billion worth of footwear, making it the 11th largest exporter of footwear in the world, which highlights the immense potential in this sector.
Businessmen from Various States, Including Uttar Pradesh, to Participate
Sanjay Gupta, President of IFCOMA, mentioned that efforts have been made to make the 58th edition of ‘Shoe Tech’ historic. The goal is to strengthen the footwear component sector along with the shoe industry, so that we can stand as an alternative to countries like China. This exhibition not only brings buyers and sellers under one roof but also educates people about the latest technology. Businessmen from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, will participate in the event.
Seminar on Indian Footwear Sizing System
IFCOMA Secretary General Deepak Manchanda stated that 60 exhibitors will participate in the 9th edition of the exhibition in Agra. The stalls will showcase the latest technology and designs of all 32 types of components and accessories used in footwear production. A seminar on the Indian Footwear Sizing System will be held during the opening session of the ‘Shoe Tech Agra’ exhibition. Experts from the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) will share their views on this system. The seminar aims to explain the importance of sizing in the footwear industry and discuss ways to improve its standardization. During the seminar, Nandan Singh Bora, Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Raebareli, will also give a presentation on the fashion trends of the Indian footwear market.
Two-Day Exhibition Opens Today
The ‘Shoe Tech Agra’ Footwear Components Exhibition will be inaugurated today at 10:30 AM by the Chief Guest, Puran Dawar, President of AFMEC, with special guest Vivek Sharma (IRS), Managing Director of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Noida, in attendance. On this occasion, industry leaders will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the footwear industry. The two-day exhibition will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM, starting today.
Special Guests Present
During the event, AFMEC Vice President Gopal Gupta emphasized the need for such events in the industry, while AFMEC Vice President Rajesh Sehgal and CIFI (Uttar Pradesh) President Dharmendra Narula stressed the importance of using innovative technology in shoe production. Vijay Sama, President of Agra Shoe Factors Federation, highlighted the technical shortcomings of India’s shoe sizing system and called for government initiatives to improve it. Asma President Opinder Singh Lovely urged the industry to keep up with today’s trends in footwear. On this occasion, AFMEC Secretary Rajiv wasan, IFCOMA Executive Director SK Verma, former President Pradeep Agarwal and others were also present.
