I am thankful to the National Leather Development Programme of the United Nations Development Programme under the Ministry of Industry (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) for the support extended in building of the Indian Footwear Component Industry at the National and International levels.

Mr. Amarendra Sinha, National Programme Manager, National Leather Development Programme with a practical and in-depth knowledge of the industry, really felt the importance and potential of footwear components in our country. The dynamic decisions and projections made under the NLDP work plan have imparted a real fillip to this sector. During the very first year of the work plan, there has already an increased awareness amongst the component and accessories manufacturers in the tiny, cottage and small scale units to make serious efforts for the up-gradation in product quality and increased productivity leading to higher production levels and volume. The exposure gained by our members at the international fairs will help us further change the work and business ethos, concepts and provide a platform to improve quality, technology and equipments for large volume production, human resource development and the much needed research work on a wide range of components used in the making of footwear.

In India, about 85 % of footwear production is still in tiny, cottage and small scale sector. This segment produces more than 700 million pairs of shoes every year. The component sector has shown considerable growth in the last 7-8 years and has been able to produce a wide range of leather and non-leather components for the footwear produced for the domestic and export markets. Non-leather footwear components have also helped the backward integration in the complex Indian industrial schema by creating additional demand of materials used in the production of footwear and some footwear components.

Since the Indian share in the world footwear component market is negligible, there is immense scope in this sector if we consider the global production figures of footwear. We are confident of a substantial albeit rapid growth in the next three to five years provided all round support continues to be available from NLDP and other Government bodies under Ministry of Industry / Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Finance of the Government of India and at state levels.

Information and Technology is the future. It is with this in mind the association has worked very hard to present a utility oriented web site to its members. I am confident that the new IFCOMA web site will give our members excellent support in the national and international flow of information and promote linkages and networking opportunities. The web site has been designed to provide maximum information both for members as well as all those who are connected with the leather industry worldwide.

Apart from the information available in the Data Centre which is available only upon registration, the features available on the site can be understood in the following documents - Benefits and Site Map

Mani Almal
President - IFCOMA