Date: June 30, 2025
The Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) has announced the appointment of Shri Gopal Gupta as its new President—a move expected to invigorate the region’s footwear industry with renewed vision and strategic momentum.
A respected figure in Agra’s manufacturing and export circles, Gopal Gupta brings with him decades of experience, having played a pivotal role in shaping one of the city’s leading export houses. Known for his sharp industry insights and forward-looking mindset, his elevation to AFMEC’s top post comes at a time when Indian manufacturers are striving to stay competitive on the global stage while embracing sustainable and tech-driven transformations.
Strategic Vision Ahead
Under his leadership, key areas of focus are expected to include:
- Strengthening MSMEs through targeted skill development and digital empowerment.
- Facilitating international exposure via trade fairs and global collaborations.
- Advocating progressive policies to enhance export competitiveness.
- Championing sustainability through eco-conscious practices and waste reduction.
“AFMEC is more than a trade body—it’s a driver of transformation. My mission is to position Agra as a global benchmark for quality, innovation, and compliance.” states Gopal Gupta. He has long been associated with one of the most successful export houses in Agra, is known not just for his business acumen but also for his unwavering advocacy for industry modernization.
Outgoing President Shri Puran Dawar reflected on his tenure with pride, stating:
“Leading AFMEC has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. Together, we’ve worked to place Agra firmly on the global footwear map through innovation, exports and skilling. I have full confidence that Gopal-ji will build on this momentum with fresh perspective and strategic depth.”
Gopal Gupta’s appointment has been widely welcomed by industry stakeholders. A senior AFMEC member remarked, “Gopal-ji offers the rare combination of grassroots wisdom and global perspective. His leadership comes at exactly the right time.”
A Voice of Agra, A Platform for India
AFMEC has long served as a crucial voice for Agra’s footwear community—many of which are legacy-driven, family-run enterprises with significant international reach. With Mr. Gupta at the helm, the chamber is expected to deepen collaborations with bodies like CLE, IFCOMA, FDDI, and Invest India, while building stronger global trade bridges.
As India aims to expand its footprint in the international footwear arena, challenging dominant players like China, Vietnam and Italy, leadership from organizations like AFMEC will prove vital. And with Gopal Gupta stepping in, the journey toward that goal has already begun with confident strides.
