The 14th edition of ‘Shoetech Kanpur 2024,’ organized by the Indian Footwear Component Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), opened to an enthusiastic response yesterday at the Multipurpose Hall of the KLC Complex on the Kanpur-Lucknow Highway, Banthar, Unnao. The two-day exhibition, which runs from October 16 to 17, attracted significant attention from both exhibitors and visitors, with over 65 manufacturers showcasing their products across 80 stalls.
Sanjay Gupta, President of IFCOMA, addressed attendees on the opening day, highlighting the importance of the exhibition for the footwear manufacturing sector. “This year’s event has brought together key players from cities like Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Noida, Gurgaon, Chennai, and Bengaluru, creating a platform for showcasing the latest footwear components, machinery, and technological advancements,” Gupta said. The event also saw strong attendance from stakeholders in the footwear industry, including manufacturers from Kanpur, Banthar, Unnao, Jajmau, Agra, and neighboring districts. The first day was marked by dynamic discussions and exchanges, focusing on emerging trends and the future of footwear manufacturing in India.
M. Amin, Chairman of the Superhouse Group, provided an optimistic overview of the industry’s growth. “Over the past two years, Kanpur’s leather and related industries have experienced a 15% increase in growth. In 2022-23 alone, we achieved ₹6,000 crore in exports and ₹2,000 crore in domestic business,” Amin remarked. He praised the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has been instrumental in supporting domestic manufacturing and exports, particularly for MSMEs.
In his speech, Amin emphasized the growing demand for Indian footwear and components, both domestically and internationally. He spoke about IFCOMA’s role in promoting local manufacturers, facilitating global connections, and advancing initiatives like setting up design studios of international standards. These steps aim to enhance the competitiveness of Indian footwear components in the global market. Additionally, IFCOMA highlighted the importance of skill development and innovation in driving the industry’s growth. Plans to organize international Buyer-Seller Meets (BSM) and develop a comprehensive vision document for the sector were also discussed.
The event will conclude today, with industry stalwarts expected to be recognized for their contributions. The first day of ‘Shoetech’ set the stage for further collaborations, with exhibitors and attendees expressing optimism about the opportunities the exhibition provides. Javed Iqbal, Prerna Verma, and Asad Kamal Iraqi were among the prominent figures present at the exhibition’s opening, underscoring the significance of this annual gathering for India’s footwear industry.
