Agra: The 17th edition of the “Meet at Agra” Footwear Trade Fair, organized by Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) , concluded on Sunday with remarkable achievements and new opportunities for the Indian footwear industry. The three-day event brought together domestic and international business leaders, industry experts, and aspiring entrepreneurs, creating a historic platform for growth.
This year, the expo witnessed 19,420 visitors, including 8,390 registered business visitors, 1,751 future entrepreneurs and students, and hundreds of industry leaders from across India. The event laid the foundation for potential business opportunities worth ₹18,500 crore, marking a significant milestone for the Indian footwear sector.
Industry Leaders Highlight Importance of the Expo
Gopal Gupta, President of AFMEC , said,
“The participation of over 19,420 visitors is historic. The event has not only been a commercial success but also an inspiring platform for entrepreneurs. The ₹18,500 crore potential business reflects India’s industrial growth in the footwear sector.”
Puran Dawar, Chairman of DCFLI and former AFMEC President, remarked,
“Footwear is not just a product; it is the engine of the global economy. India is the third-largest footwear producer in the world. This event shows that Indian industry is advancing towards global leadership.”
Rajiv Vasan, Vice President of AFMEC , added,
“‘Meet at Agra’ has become a milestone for the footwear components industry. It introduced participants to new technologies and prepared the industry for global competition. This event is now a confluence of trade, knowledge, and innovation.”
Captain A.S. Rana, former container captain and AFMEC member, said,
“While direct purchases at such fairs may be limited, the volume of business contracts demonstrates the economic potential of the industry. Nearly ₹18,500 crore in contracts is proof of the unprecedented growth of India’s footwear sector.”
Exhibitor Recognition and Awards
Outstanding exhibitors were recognized during the event for their quality, innovation, and presentation. Awards included:
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Best Exhibitor Award: Two stalls recognized for excellence
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Innovative Product: Vegan Vista (Anand Agrawal)
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Best Stall: KLJ – Kamal Jain
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Maximum Footfall: JT Soles (Jatin Khurana, Nitin Khurana)
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Special Mention: Shri Om Industries (Rohit Sablok, Meghna Sablok)
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Best Looking Stand: Vikas Organic – Ashwani Sikka
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Modern Technique & Robotics: Shashi Enterprises (Naveen Bhaiya)
Next Edition Scheduled for 2026
AFMEC President Gopal Gupta announced that the 18th edition of ‘Meet at Agra’ will take place on 3rd, 4th, and 5th October 2026, aligning with the international footwear calendar to encourage maximum participation from global delegates.
Global Perspective on Indian Footwear Industry
Pradeep Vasan, Secretary of AFMEC , noted that the global footwear industry is projected to reach $390 billion in 2025 and surpass $550 billion by 2030. India, currently the third-largest producer of footwear globally, is emerging as a fast-growing export hub with over 10% annual growth rate. Events like Meet at Agra accelerate this growth, supporting initiatives like Make in India and Vocal for Local.
Vijay Sama, President of Agra Shoe Factors Federation, said,
“Meet at Agra is not just a local event but an international platform connecting Indian manufacturers with global buyers and technical experts, enhancing India’s global trade presence.”
Opinder Singh Lawli, CIFI State President, added,
“Meet at Agra has become a global platform for Indian industries. It helps Indian entrepreneurs strengthen their international presence and build new business relationships.”
Key Stats from the 3-Day Event
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Total Visitors: 19,420
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Registered Business Visitors: 8,390
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Future Entrepreneurs (Students): 1,751
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Potential Business Opportunities: ₹18,500 crore
The 17th edition of ‘Meet at Agra’ has firmly established itself as a premier global platform for the Indian footwear industry, combining trade, technology, and innovation while opening doors to a new era of growth.
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