He said that the government of India and Bangladesh were rebuilding the road infrastructure on both sides of the border at Benapole and Petrapole points.

Bangladesh has a vibrant leather processing industry while India has strong product base, thus two countries can put in their efforts in joint development of shoe industry, especially in exporting high quality shoes to the global market, viewed Mr. B. K. Dash, economic minister of the Indian High Commission.

Shri R. K. Pandey, Regional Director, CLE said Indian shoe Component sector is able to supply quality component for local manufacturers now as the industry has new technology and advanced production capacity.

Shri Vipan Seth, Vice President-IFCOMA said if Bangladesh introduces zero duty for Footwear Accessories import from India, it will help Bangladeshi exporters to become competitive and increase export volume of footwear. “The two countries also need to upgrade infrastructure like port, road, transport and simplify customs procedure and recognize each other’s standards to make the competitive advantage partnership a reality,” he said.

In the exhibition, 18 Indian enterprises showcased different categories of shoe components targeting buyers and the Indian businessmen for local partners to set up joint venture industry.

The Exhibition witnessed a great amount of interest shown by the local Shoe Manufacturers & allied industry visitors clocking approximately 500 nos. They were updated with the latest development and rich information during the two day event.

Ten members of the Footwear Association from Kolkata including some of the well known names like M/s SAS Leather Footwear, M/s Select Footwear, M/s Prince footwear etc visited IFCOMA Display Centre, NOIDA to gather information of the components available in the display Centre and understand about the new developments that have taken place lately.

The Deputy Director, IFCOMA explained them about the various components that can be made available through the members. They had a very close look at the components displayed and note the details for future communications.

Mr. Parvez Akhtar, President appreciated the concept of Display Shelves exhibiting different types of components under one roof with the relevant information. Mr. Entakhab Alam Vice-President, felt that such display arrangement and services of FDDI should also be available for Shoe Manufacturers in Kolkata so that the industry is updated round the year with all sorts of developments.

The Delegation expressed its happiness after the visit and update of the components Industry available through IFCOMA.

Saharanpur Footwear Association represented by their General Secretary, Shri Sushil Kumar Anand and other members visited the IFCOMA office and display center on 2nd August September’2004 to have look at various products available for display at the Centre.

They observed that the resource center is quite interesting and were excited to see various products and components at display. They have also shown desire and insisted to IFCOMA to repeat much awaited buyer Seller meet at Saharanpur for the benefit of the shoe and allied industry.

Last BSM organized in 2002 evoked a very good response and it proved to be an eye opener for the local industry. The impact of the exhibition has been a amazing up gradation of the Shoe Industry in the last 2 years.

They have taken a note of the various components available in the Display Center and were updated with IFCOMA Members profile & other detailed information. An IFCOMA Directory and Brochure was presented to the visitors for their information and reference.