Indian size of footwear to be launched soon: Union Minister Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, July 31 (KNN) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that Indian Size of footwear will be launched soon to help distinguish Indian Footwear around the globe and reduce dependence on foreign sizing trends.

Addressing the India International Footwear Fair 2023 (IIFF) in New Delhi, the Commerce and Industry Minister said that Indian Footwear and Leather industry is not only a major foreign exchange earner but being a labour-intensive sector, it also provides employment to approximately 4.5 million people, 40 per cent of whom are women.

“At present India is the 2nd largest exporter of leather garments, 3rd largest exporter of Saddlery and Harness and 4th largest exporter of Leather Goods in the world. It has the capacity to become world’s largest and best quality footwear manufacturer,” he said.

As per reports, over  95 per cent of the production units in this sector are Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) units.

During his address, Goyal suggested the industrialists to 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.

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.

He mentioned that institutions like CLRI, FDDI, and NIFT will collaborate with the industry in developing new products and technologies in tune with the changing trends and requirements of the market.  (KNN Bureau)