IFCOMA’s two-day exhibition marks the 58th edition of ‘Shoe Tech Agra
More than 75 stalls will showcase over 32 components
Agra: To accelerate the growth of the Indian footwear component industry, the Indian Footwear Component Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), which has been active for over two decades, is organizing the 58th edition of the National Footwear Component Exhibition ‘Shoe Tech’ and the 9th edition in Agra. The two-day grand event will be held on April 2nd and 3rd at the Hotel Madhu Resorts in Agra. During a press conference held at Hotel Holiday-Inn on Tuesday, IFCOMA officials provided detailed information about the event.
Components are the Key Link in Shoe Production
Purun Dawar, President of the Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC), shared information about the footwear component exhibition and explained that components are the key in shoe production. In this regard, IFCOMA’s exhibition is a blessing for footwear business owners. As in previous years, the 9th edition of ‘Shoe Tech Agra’ will display all the components used in shoe production under one roof. A special feature of this event is that it provides a platform for buyers and sellers to connect directly, laying the foundation for future business collaborations through mutual discussions.
India’s Role in Footwear Exports and Strengthening the Domestic Market
Manju Mann, Executive Director of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in Noida, addressed the press and stated that FDDI was established to meet the demand for trained professionals in the footwear and leather industry. It plays a crucial role in preparing skilled professionals, promoting innovation in design and production, and making the industry globally competitive, India, with 11.63% of the world’s total shoe production of 17.7 billion pairs, is the second-largest shoe producer after China. According to data from 2022, India exported $3.13 billion worth of footwear, making it the 11th largest exporter globally, demonstrating immense potential in this sector.
Businessmen from Various States Across India to Participate
Sanjay Gupta, President of IFCOMA, stated that efforts have been made to make the 58th edition of ‘Shoe Tech’ historic. Their goal is to strengthen the footwear component sector alongside the shoe industry so that India can position itself as an alternative to countries like China. This exhibition, apart from bringing buyers and sellers together under one roof, will also raise awareness about new technologies. Businessmen from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, will participate in the exhibition.
Seminar on Indian Footwear Sizing System
IFCOMA General Secretary Deepak Manchanda mentioned that 75 exhibitors will participate in the 9th edition of the exhibition in Agra. Over 32 types of footwear components and auxiliary equipment, along with the latest technologies and designs, will be displayed at the stalls. A seminar on the Indian Footwear Sizing System will be organized during the inauguration session of the “Shoe Tech Agra’ exhibition. Experts from the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) will share their thoughts on the system. The seminar aims to highlight the importance of sizing in the shoe industry and discuss ways to improve it towards standardization.
Nandan Singh Bora, Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Raebareli, will give a presentation on the fashion trends in the Indian footwear market during this exhibition.
Creating jobs for youth while effectively recycling waste
Green Worms Co-founder Akshay Gunteti & Executive- Waste and Material Circularity Jekcy C Joy said, “We are creating jobs for youth while effectively cycling waste. So far, 6,200 people have joined our mission. We have developed a sorting system focused on footwear waste, which separates materials like EVA, PVC, rubber, and leather, allowing for more effective recycling and reuse. Our experience in recycling polymers such as LDPE, LLDPE, and PP has provided the footwear industry with an effective solution. “Green Worms Co founder Akshay Gunteti & Executive Waste and Material Circularity Jekcy Cloy said, “We are creating jobs for youth while effectively recycling waste. So far, 6,200 people have joined our mission. We have developed a sorting system focused on footwear waste, which separates materials like EVA, PVC, rubber, and leather, allowing for more effective recycling and reuse. Our experience in recycling polymers such as LDPE, LLDPE, and PP has provided the footwear industry with an effective solution.”
Inauguration of the Two-Day Exhibition Today
The ‘Shoe Tech Agra’ footwear component exhibition will be inaugurated today at 10:30 AM by the Chief Guest, Purun Dawar, President of AFMEC. The special guest will be Vivek Sharma (IRS), Managing Director of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) Noida. During the event, prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the footwear industry will be honored. The two-day exhibition will run from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Special Guests Present
During the event, AFMEC Vice President Gopal Gupta, General Secretary Rajesh Sehgal, Convenor Rajiv Wasan, Captain Ajit Singh Rana, Nazir Ahmad of Park Exports, Dharmendra Narula, President of CF (Uttar Pradesh), Kuldeep Singh, President of FAFM, Vijay Sama, President of Agra Shoe Factories Federation, Opinder Singh Lovely of ASMA, Former Regional Chairman of CLE North Motilal Sethi, Assistant Director RK Shukla, IFCOMA Executive Director SK Verma, Former President Pradeep Agarwal and others will be present.
