Indian footwear industry employs 4.5 mn, 40% women: Piyush Goyal

Goyal, Union minister of commerce and industry, consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and textiles, added that India has the capacity to become the world’s largest and best quality footwear manufacturer, according to a press release by India’s ministry of commerce and industry.

The minister said that India is the second largest exporter of leather garments, third largest exporter of saddlery and harness, and fourth largest exporter of leather goods in the world. Goyal highlighted that more than 95 per cent of the production units in this sector are ministry of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) units.

Goyal said that special Indian footwear sizes will be launched soon to help distinguish Indian footwear around the globe and reduce dependence on foreign sizing trends. He suggested the industrialists explore free trade agreements (FTAs) for technological collaborations, joint ventures of non-leather footwear, thus increasing the export of the country and enhancing the domestic market with Indian products.

Goyal highlighted the beauty of Kolhapuri footwear of Maharashtra and Mojari footwear of Rajasthan and said that it should be an area of attraction for international buyers as well. He also said that the strength of India in this sector comes from its local raw material and rich diverse history.

He mentioned major initiatives, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like the Bharat Mandapam – International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre complex, which will host the G20 summit in September 2023.

The minister said that testing facilities will be established by the government as part of India’s footwear and leather development programme. He also highlighted the steps undertaken by the government for ease of doing business like decriminalisation of corporate offenses, reducing compliance burdens, creating a national single window for all approvals, world class infrastructure, etc.

Goyal urged the stakeholders to expand the business while keeping the focus on quality and sustainability, eco-friendly process, waste management, and exploring renewable sources for electricity. The minister further emphasised embracing competitiveness in the form of innovative designs for a bigger and better growth. He highlighted that the global market is very competitive and urged the exporters to develop innovative as well as sustainable products for which there is a huge and growing demand in the world.

Goyal mentioned that institutions like the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will collaborate with the industry in developing new products and technologies in tune with the changing trends and requirements of the market.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)