Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), the only apex body to promote Indian footwear component industry, has made its presence felt in its first participation at the "Shoes and Leather Fair, 2002" recently held from 3rd to 5th July, 2002 in Ho Chi Minh City. This is IFCOMA's third consecutive participation in the international fairs in a row in the current year which
shows a determined effort to bring Indian footwear components in the international limlight.

 

In the international shoes and leather fair, Vietnam 5 members participated in a stand of 36 sq. mts. Vietnam is a major producer of sports shoes and ladies synthetic shoes. There are about 240 companies producing shoes for exports. Most of them are either in the northern or in the southern part. 80% of its exports are to EU countries, 10% to USA and rest elsewhere. There is a tremendous potential for growth due to keen interest shown by the European shoe buyers.

Against an installed capacity of 450 million pairs, actual production for the last calendar year was 320 million pairs. Out of the 450 million pairs, 50% of the capacities are with J/V companies. These companies produce the branded shoes like Nike, Adidas etc. Many of the local companies do labour type of job, wherein, the buyer gives them all the material. Most of the components are imported from Taiwan and Korea. Not many Chinese components seem to be used.

There was no participant from China either in the footwear or components. The focus of the industry is now to look for better quality components but at a very competitive price. They are also trying to make leather shoes and for which many Thailand companies had displayed leather of different types. There were a number of participants from Italy. Australians had put up a stand for leather only. The Germans had put a big stand for various components.

 

Looking at the present scenario in Vietnam India stands a very good chance for entering the market as all the participants are very satisfied with their participation and have recommended a much larger participation next time.