Eighth Intl. Footwear & Leather show opens today

The Footwear and Leather Fair 2016, the eighth in its successful series, opens today at the BMICH.

The Footwear and Leather fair series is a joint effort of Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Industrial Development Board and Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association. 

It has been attracting more and more global exhibitors since its start in 2007 and has now become a showcase of latest Lankan F&L production and design trends. A primary objective of the show is to exhibit Sri Lankan footwear and leather and products, capacities to local and international visitors.

The eighth edition in this series ends on Sunday (7). A design and best stall competition and a fashion show are to be held in parallel to the exhibition. Only local products and designs will go on display at this show.

The Footwear and Leather industry in Sri Lanka has been identified as a value added manufacturing sector that has taken up the role of generating export revenue to the country. The industry employs about 40,000 people directly and indirectly. This includes 10 large export companies, 30 medium scale companies and about 3,000 small scale manufacturers.

A diverse range of modern shoes such as canvas and rubber boots, thongs, sports shoes and leather shoes are produced using different types of raw materials. 

Sri Lanka’s footwear and leather exports have been steadily growing. The total exports at $ 36 m in 2011 rose by 300% in 2015 to $110 m. 78% of 2015’s total exports were footwear.

At the eighth edition, 106 local companies are displaying their products in 230 stalls. Arrangements have also been made to invite foreign buyer delegations from identified countries to expand F&L exports. Twenty-four foreign delegates are scheduled to participate from Oman, Sweden, Kenya, UAE and India. 

In parallel to the Fair, a Design Competition to encourage the upcoming designers and to give recognition to their talents was held and the awards ceremony will be held on 7 February at 4 p.m.

 A Best Stall Competition too will be organised during the fair with an objective of encouraging companies to showcase their capabilities in a professional and attractive manner by designing their stalls up to international standards. 

An exclusive Fashion Show depicting the latest trends and designs of footwear and leather products organised as a special event of the fair will be held on 6 February at 7 p.m. The most innovative SMEs too will be awarded to encourage them towards new innovations.