250-plus exhibitors from India and abroad to participate in 18th edition of footwear technology fair
Agra, September 21, 2026: The 18th edition of Meet at Agra, one of the country’s prominent fairs for the leather and footwear industry, will be held from October 3 to 5 at the Agra Trade Centre in Singna. More than 250 exhibitors from India and abroad are expected to participate in the three-day event.
Organised by the Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC), the fair will showcase the latest footwear manufacturing machinery, components, raw materials, technologies and emerging market trends.
The organisers said the event is expected to attract around 20,000 visitors, including footwear manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
China, Italy and Taiwan to feature prominently
AFMEC President Gopal Gupta said eight companies from China will participate in this year’s fair and showcase their machinery, products and technologies.
He said the international participation would provide local manufacturers with opportunities to explore technical collaborations, joint ventures and new business partnerships.
Trade commissioners from Italy, China and Taiwan have also been invited as special guests.
Gupta said the footwear industry needs to prepare for emerging opportunities in international markets following India’s trade agreements with various countries. He urged both exporters and domestic manufacturers to focus on technological upgradation, modern machinery and changing consumer and market requirements.
18 years of industry-focused growth
According to AFMEC, Meet at Agra was launched in 2007 by former AFMEC president Capt. A.S. Rana with the objective of strengthening the supply chain of Agra’s footwear industry.
Former AFMEC president and current Chairman of the Development Council for Footwear and Leather Industry Puran Dawar subsequently played an important role in expanding the event.
Capt. A.S. Rana said the fair has evolved significantly over the years and has helped bridge the gap between manufacturers and suppliers while strengthening the industry’s supply chain.
Focus on technology and global competitiveness
AFMEC Vice-President Rajiv Vasan said rapid changes in the global footwear market have made technological advancement and modern production systems essential for the industry’s competitiveness.
He said participation by companies from China and other countries would give Agra-based manufacturers an opportunity to examine advanced machinery, production technologies, components and new materials.
AFMEC Vice-President Rajesh Sehgal said the fair would also serve as a platform for manufacturers and exhibitors to establish direct business contacts and explore opportunities for market expansion.
The fair will be inaugurated on October 3 by Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the State Transformation Commission.
‘Discover, Create, Connect, Grow’
Fair Chairperson Mala Kheda said the 2026 edition has been designed around the theme “Discover, Create, Connect, Grow.”
She said the objective is to create a global platform where entrepreneurs can discover new opportunities, develop new ideas and products, establish business connections and expand their enterprises.
The participation of international companies is expected to provide visitors with exposure to changing global trends in footwear technology, materials, components and machinery.
MSMEs and young entrepreneurs in focus
AFMEC General Secretary Pradeep Vasan said small and medium enterprises, manufacturers and skilled artisans form the backbone of Agra’s footwear industry.
He said the fair would enable them to access information about modern technology, improved raw materials and advanced production systems at a single platform.
AFMEC Secretary Anirudh Tiwari said innovation, quality, design and technological advancement would remain crucial for strengthening Agra’s position in the global footwear market. He said the fair would be particularly useful for young entrepreneurs looking for new ideas and business opportunities.
AFMEC Treasurer Chandra Mohan Sachdeva said the event could further encourage investment, production expansion and business collaboration in the footwear sector.
The organisers said the recognition of Agra as a Footwear Capital and the GI tag for Agra’s leather footwear have created additional opportunities for the city’s footwear industry.
AFMEC officials said the event would bring manufacturers, technology providers, component suppliers and international industry representatives together, providing a platform for business networking and knowledge exchange.
CIFI State President Opinder Singh ‘Lovely’, State General Secretary Nakul Manchanda, Jaswinder Singh Khera, Romy Luthra and Dilip Raina were also present at the announcement.