Footwear industry gaining momentum

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The Footwear and Leather Goods Fair 2012 will open today showcasing local capabilities where the industry is reaching international standards.

The footwear industry has been successful in fulfilling 75 percent of the local consumer needs and this we consider an achievement considering the free flow of low cost products flooding in to the country. 'Due to supportive efforts by the government the footwear industry is gaining momentum,' Footwear Advisory Committee Chairman Rangith Hettiarachchy told Daily News Business.

'The three day fair will be an opportunity to evaluate standards and seek new ways of developing the industry on a global perspective. The 25 member team from the Indian Footwear Component Manufacturers Association who will be participating this year will encourage local producers by building a network for knowledge and technology sharing' he said.

The Indian footwear industry has reached international standards and this will be an ideal opening for local counterparts to develop business relationships. The fair will be a launching pad to reach the export market where the industrialists are confident of meeting quality standards.