Footwear and Leather Fair begins on Friday

The 5th Footwear & Leather Fair 2013 would be held from February 08 to 10, 2013 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike International Exhibition Center in Colombo.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, in association with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Industrial Development Board and the Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association, the fair would provide a platform to showcase the talents and capabilities of the Sri Lankan Footwear and Leather products manufacturers. The fair would be ceremonially inaugurated by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Footwear which was originated to protect the feet from rough surfaces and bad weather, had gradually become a clothing accessory, where design and fashion plays a significant role. Despite mechanization, the footwear industry is still labour intensive.

It is said that 150 operations were necessary to produce a pair of shoes. Shoes have and will forever be an integral part of our ability to express our fashion sense and individuality.

The Footwear & Leather Fair was originated by an initiative of the EDB in the year 2007, with the objective of giving recognition to the industry, locally and internationally, is now turning into a recognized international fair in the South Asian Region.

This fair provides an opportunity to view the entire range of Sri Lankan footwear & leather products under one roof. A variety of new innovative products, such as leather, jewellery, butterfly chairs, exclusive leather fashion bags, genuine leather gents and ladies shoes would be on display at this fair.

Bangladesh was also visiting the fair. Suppliers of raw material, components & accessories from India, would also participate at the fair. The fair would also provide an opportunity for the public to purchase export quality footwear and leather products at reasonable prices.