UP State Transformation Commission CEO inaugurates 18th ‘Meet at Agra’; participation from 11 countries including India and China
Agra, October 3, 2026: The 18th edition of Meet at Agra, a major exhibition dedicated to footwear components, materials, machinery, technology and industrial collaboration, was inaugurated on Saturday at the Agra Trade Centre, Singna.
The three-day event was inaugurated by Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission, along with office-bearers of the organising committee amid the ceremonial ringing of bells and conch shells.
Addressing the inaugural session, Manoj Kumar Singh said the leather and footwear industry of Agra plays an important role in the state’s economy, exports and employment. In view of the changing global business environment, he said, the industry needs to focus on new technology, quality, design, productivity and skill development to strengthen its global competitiveness.
He said a committee has been constituted under his leadership to address issues and challenges concerning the leather sector. Leather and footwear exporters and entrepreneurs can place their suggestions, policy-related issues and practical problems before the committee. Efforts will be made to ensure their effective and time-bound resolution through coordination with the concerned departments.
Calling upon entrepreneurs to suggest practical solutions along with highlighting their problems, Singh said this would help accelerate production, investment, exports and employment in the state. He emphasised that continuous dialogue between the government and industry is essential for addressing the sector’s challenges. Uttar Pradesh, he said, is moving beyond “Ease of Doing Business” towards “Speed of Doing Business.”
Bringing New Technology to the Industry is Our Objective: Gopal Gupta
AFMEC President Gopal Gupta welcomed the chief guest, exhibitors, delegates and entrepreneurs from India and abroad. He said that over its 18-year journey, Meet at Agra has evolved from an exhibition into an important platform for technology, business and new opportunities for the footwear industry.
“Our objective is to connect Agra’s footwear industry with modern technology, new materials and machinery from across the world so that manufacturers can improve quality and productivity and become more competitive globally,” Gupta said.
He added that the real success of the fair would be achieved when the technologies and ideas showcased here reach factories and translate into increased production, business and employment.
Agra Has the Potential to Become the ‘World Capital of Footwear’: Puran Dawar
Puran Dawar, Chairman of the Development Council for Footwear and Leather Industry (DCFLI) and Convenor of AFMEC, said Uttar Pradesh would play an important role in the development of India and that Agra’s industrial sector could make a significant contribution.
He said Agra has generations of craftsmanship, a strong manufacturing ecosystem, entrepreneurship and market connectivity. With the right technology, infrastructure, education and policy support, Agra has the potential to emerge as a major global footwear manufacturing hub.
Dawar said India is the world’s second-largest footwear producer, with annual production of around three billion pairs, offering significant opportunities in both domestic and export markets. He stressed that different quality standards should not be maintained for domestic and export markets, and that global best practices should guide the industry.
He said free trade agreements are opening new international markets, but the industry needs to strengthen its capabilities in scale, technology, design, productivity, sustainability and compliance to benefit from them.
Emphasising employment as a key measure of development alongside investment and exports, Dawar said the footwear industry has significant potential to generate employment for youth, women and artisans.
He also suggested taking the “One District-One Product” initiative towards “One District-One Product-One Education”, linking local industries with classrooms and students with factories. He said footwear education should begin in Agra.
According to Dawar, Meet at Agra has now evolved beyond a conventional trade fair into a platform for technology, knowledge, global partnerships, joint ventures and future-oriented manufacturing.
Participation from 11 Countries
The 18th edition of Meet at Agra has expanded its international presence this year, with the China Pavilion emerging as one of the major attractions.
Representatives and exhibitors from India, Argentina, France, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan and Vietnam are participating in the event.
The presence of international exhibitors and delegates is facilitating global business networking, technical exchange and new business partnerships in footwear components, materials, machinery and modern technology.
Industry Achievers Honoured
During the inaugural ceremony, AFMEC Excellence Awards were presented to entrepreneurs and companies for their contribution to the footwear and components industry.
The Best Woman Entrepreneur Award in the footwear category was presented to Meenakshi Kalsi of Metro & Metro, while the Young Entrepreneur Award went to Tanya Nirjhara of Virupakshi Shoes.
In the components category, the Best Woman Entrepreneur Award was given to Shweta Arya of Soulful Sole, while the Best Male Entrepreneur Award went to Ujjwal Sachdeva of Alert Soles.
The Export Excellence Awards were presented to Gupta H.C. Overseas (I) Pvt. Ltd., Metro & Metro and Liner Shoes Pvt. Ltd.
For his long-standing contribution to the footwear industry, Virendra Kumar Mahajan of Weston Rubber received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Industry Representatives Attend
The inaugural ceremony was attended by AFMEC former president Capt. A.S. Rana, vice-presidents Rajeev Vasan and Rajesh Sehgal, Fair Committee Chairperson Mala Khera, FDDI Managing Director Vivek Sharma, IFCCOMA President Sanjay Gupta, AFMEC Treasurer Chandra Mohan Sachdeva, CEFI Uttar Pradesh President Opinder Singh ‘Lovely’, Shoe Factories Federation President Vijay Sama, state general secretary Nakul Manchanda, Tony Makhija, Lalit Arora, Sunil Manchanda and Jaswinder Singh Khera, among other industry representatives.
The programme was conducted by Alok Srivastava, Uttar Pradesh Head of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). AFMEC General Secretary Pradeep Vasan proposed the vote of thanks.
4,211 Visitors on the First Day
The fair witnessed an encouraging response on its opening day, with a total of 4,211 visitors attending the event. These included 1,938 registered business visitors and 437 students and aspiring entrepreneurs who visited to understand the industry and its technologies.
The three-day 18th edition of Meet at Agra will continue until October 5 at the Agra Trade Centre, Singna. The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.