Earlier in the day he inaugurated the foundation laying down ceremony of the FDDI - Integrated display center. Sh Tanvir Ali, had welcomed the large gathering and the honourable minister. Shri Alok Sinha, MD, FDDI briefed the audience about FDDI activities. He explained about the forthcoming 35,000 sq. ft large integrated display center.

Shri Kamal Nath expressed that the footwear sector deserves a great support to hone and improve the skills of the artisans & craftsmen, who can do wonderful job provided an opportunity is given to them. The footwear sector also needs strength & support as it gives employment to largest number of women.

'Past for us cannot be a model of the future' quoted the hon'ble minister. He emphasized the need of faster improvement and focused approach to build the sector and meet the challenges of the dynamic trends and changes." Our Challenge is that



how we Simulate an India for the future ". He said that we must build and integrate technology, art and craft.

We should aim at working an India specific model as per the India's strength utilizing the inherent talent and skills of the artisans and craftsmen, integrating it with e-Iearning and superior technology. This will unleash our intellectual skills & intellectual ability.

Shri Adesh Gupta, CEO, Liberty group, reiterated that after China India is the largest footwear industry base. He added that India has the largest cattle population and largest base of raw material and



components and to top it all cheapest labour. The combination as a result can play a vital role to boost the exports our country to achieve significant mark.

Shri N. K. Agarwal, Chairman, Action Shoes, appreciated the concept of display center, which shall give the opportunity to the footwear manufacturers to display their products at one place under one roof and global buyers would have access to it all the time. He also appealed that garments, being expensive than footwear, attracts only 4% tax. As such the VAT should not have an impact of more than 4% on the footwear industry.