Agra: The Indian Footwear Component Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), which has been a key player in advancing India’s footwear component sector for over two decades, is set to host the 58th edition of the National Footwear Components Exhibition, ‘Shoe Tech’ and the 9th edition in Agra. The two-day event will take place on April 2nd and 3rd at Hotel Madhu Resorts in Agra. During a press conference held at Hotel Holiday Inn on Tuesday, IFCOMA officials shared insights into the much-anticipated exhibition.
Footwear Components: The Cornerstone of Shoe Manufacturing
Puran Dawar, President of the Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC), emphasized the crucial role of footwear components in the production process, describing them as the foundation of the industry. He highlighted that Shoe Tech Agra serves as a significant opportunity for footwear businesses, uniting key players in the supply chain under one roof. The event will enable direct buyer-seller interactions, fostering strong business relationships and paving the way for future collaborations.
India’s Position in Global Footwear Trade
Speaking at the event, Manju Mann, Executive Director of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) Noida, discussed the institute’s commitment to equipping professionals with the expertise needed in India’s footwear and leather sector. She underscored FDDI’s efforts in advancing innovation, improving production methods, and enhancing India’s global standing in the industry.
She also emphasized that footwear design is a scientific discipline, where research on components plays a vital role. Additionally, she highlighted the medical applications of specialized footwear and provided industry insights: India produces 11.63% of the world’s total 17.7 billion pairs of shoes, making it the second-largest global producer after China. In exports, India shipped footwear worth $3.13 billion in 2022, ranking as the 11th largest footwear exporter worldwide, signaling tremendous growth potential in the sector.
Participation from Key Footwear Hubs Across India
IFCOMA President Sanjay Gupta revealed that significant efforts have been made to ensure that the 58th edition of Shoe Tech Agra is a landmark event. He stressed that the exhibition aims to strengthen the footwear component industry while also bolstering the larger footwear manufacturing sector. The ultimate goal is to position India as a strong competitor in the global market, reducing dependence on imports from countries like China. The exhibition will also showcase the latest industry innovations, drawing in business owners and entrepreneurs from Uttar Pradesh and multiple other states.
Focus on Footwear Sizing Standards
Deepak Manchanda, General Secretary of IFCOMA, announced that this year’s Agra exhibition will feature 60 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge technology and designs across more than 32 categories of footwear components and accessories.
The event will also include a special seminar on the Indian Footwear Sizing System, where experts from the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) will shed light on the importance of standardizing shoe sizes and the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, Nandan Singh Bora, Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Raebareli, will discuss emerging fashion trends in the Indian footwear market.
Grand Inauguration of Shoe Tech Agra
The official inauguration of ‘Shoe Tech Agra’ is scheduled for 10:30 AM today, with Puran Dawar, President of AFMEC, serving as the chief guest. Vivek Sharma (IRS), Managing Director of FDDI Noida, will be the guest of honor. The event will also recognize industry veterans for their invaluable contributions to the footwear sector. The exhibition will remain open from 10 AM to 6 PM over the two days.
Key Industry Leaders Weigh In
Gopal Gupta, Vice President of AFMEC, underscored the significance of exhibitions like Shoe Tech in shaping the industry’s future. Rajesh Sehgal, Vice President of AFMEC, and Dharmendra Narula, President of CIFI (Uttar Pradesh), highlighted the importance of adopting new technologies to stay competitive.
Meanwhile, Vijay Sama, President of the Agra Shoe Factories Federation, pointed out challenges in India’s footwear sizing system and urged the government to implement necessary reforms. Opinder Singh Lovely, President of ASMA, stressed the need for aligning with contemporary fashion trends in footwear design.
Other notable industry figures present at the event included Rajiv Vasan (General Secretary of AFMEC), S.K. Verma (Executive Director of IFCOMA), and former IFCOMA President Pradeep Agarwal.
