Goyal envisions India as top-quality footwear manufacturer, stresses employment opportunities for women

Goyal envisions India as top-quality footwear manufacturer, stresses employment opportunities for women

During the India International Footwear Fair 2023 (IIFF) held in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal showcased the Indian footwear and leather industry as a crucial contributor to foreign exchange earnings. He acknowledged its labour-intensive nature, significantly impacting employment opportunities, providing livelihoods to around 4.5 million people. A noteworthy aspect of this employment is that 40% of the workforce in the industry comprises women, reflecting its positive contribution to gender empowerment and economic inclusivity.

Goyal’s emphasis on the Indian footwear and leather industry highlights the government’s recognition of its immense potential for growth and its role in generating employment and boosting the country’s economy. The sector’s ability to create jobs, particularly for women, aligns with the government’s focus on promoting women’s participation in the workforce and fostering gender equality.

The IIFF event serves as a platform to showcase India’s prowess in the footwear and leather sector, attracting domestic and international stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and buyers. The event provides an opportunity to explore business collaborations, showcase innovative products, and discuss strategies for the sector’s growth and global competitiveness.

By putting the spotlight on the Indian footwear and leather industry and its significant contributions, Piyush Goyal seeks to encourage further investments, technological advancements, and policy support to facilitate its expansion. With its potential to be a key driver of economic growth, the industry’s sustained progress aligns with the government’s vision of making India a global manufacturing and exporting hub.

During the India International Footwear Fair 2023 (IIFF) in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal exuded confidence in India’s potential to become a global leader in producing high-quality footwear. He drew attention to India’s remarkable rankings in the leather and footwear industry with great enthusiasm, highlighting the nation’s significant achievements on the world stage.

Goyal emphasized that India has firmly established itself as a key player in the global leather and footwear market. The country’s impressive performance is evident in its prominent position as the world’s second-largest exporter of leather garments. This achievement showcases India’s prowess in manufacturing and exporting top-notch leather apparel, which has garnered international acclaim and demand.

Not stopping there, Goyal proudly pointed out India’s distinction as the third-largest exporter of saddlery and harnesses. This achievement underscores India’s expertise in crafting high-quality equestrian equipment and accessories, earning it recognition and admiration from equestrian enthusiasts and riders worldwide.
Additionally, Goyal highlighted India’s standing as the fourth-largest exporter of leather goods, a testament to the country’s ability to produce a wide range of leather products that appeal to global consumers. From exquisite leather handbags and accessories to premium leather upholstery and furnishings, India has earned a reputation for its craftsmanship and innovation in the leather goods segment.

The minister’s emphasis on India’s impressive rankings in the leather and footwear industry reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the growth and global competitiveness of these sectors. The leather and footwear industry has become a vital contributor to India’s economy, with its significant export earnings bolstering the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and providing employment opportunities for millions of skilled workers, including many women.

Furthermore, Goyal’s confidence in India’s potential to ascend as a global leader in producing top-quality footwear highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the sector’s growth and fostering a conducive environment for innovation and technological advancements.

The IIFF event serves as a platform to showcase India’s capabilities, attract foreign investment, and further explore collaborations with international partners to enhance the country’s position in the global market. In addition to emphasizing India’s impressive rankings in the leather and footwear industry, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also highlighted a significant aspect of the sector’s composition. He underscored the noteworthy fact that over 95% of the production units in this industry are categorized as Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The dominance of MSMEs in the leather and footwear sector holds immense significance for the Indian economy. MSMEs play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, generating employment, and fostering entrepreneurship across the nation. By being a significant contributor to the leather and footwear industry, these MSMEs have established themselves as critical drivers of India’s economic progress.

The MSME sector’s prominence in the leather and footwear industry reflects the government’s focus on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, which are considered the backbone of the Indian economy. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has been actively engaged in creating an enabling environment for these enterprises to flourish, providing them with various support mechanisms, including financial assistance, technological upgradation, skill development, and market linkages.

Moreover, the MSME-driven nature of the leather and footwear industry aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). By empowering these small and medium-sized enterprises, India can enhance its domestic production capabilities, reduce import dependence, and boost exports, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic self-reliance.

Furthermore, the MSME-focused approach in the leather and footwear sector fosters inclusivity and social development. As a labour-intensive industry, the sector creates employment opportunities for millions of skilled and semi-skilled workers, including a significant proportion of women.

This translates to economic empowerment and improved livelihoods for a large section of the population, making the leather and footwear industry an essential driver of socio-economic progress.

During the India International Footwear Fair 2023 (IIFF) held in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made significant announcements to boost the Indian footwear and leather industry.

One of the key initiatives highlighted by the minister was the introduction of an Indian sizing system for footwear. This move aims to distinguish Indian footwear globally and reduce the industry’s reliance on foreign sizing standards. Adopting a standardized Indian sizing system will streamline production, trade, and consumer experience, further enhancing the sector’s competitiveness on the international stage.

In addition to the sizing initiative, the government will also establish testing facilities as part of India’s comprehensive footwear and leather development program. These state-of-the-art testing facilities will ensure the adherence of Indian products to international quality standards. By having access to reliable and accredited testing facilities, Indian manufacturers and exporters can instill confidence in their products, making them more acceptable to global markets.

Furthermore, Goyal urged all stakeholders in the industry to focus on expansion while upholding the principles of quality and sustainability. Emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly processes, waste management, and renewable energy sources, the minister called for responsible and environmentally conscious practices in the production and trade of footwear and leather products.

This emphasis on sustainability aligns with India’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting a green economy. Sustainable practices contribute to preserving natural resources and minimizing waste and resonate with consumers who increasingly value products with minimal environmental impact.
The minister’s call for adopting eco-friendly processes and exploring renewable energy sources in the footwear and leather industry reflects the government’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India’s efforts to promote sustainable practices in the sector are in line with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

By encouraging stakeholders to prioritize quality, sustainability, and environmental consciousness, the government aims to position the Indian footwear and leather industry as a global leader that is not only competitive but also socially and environmentally responsible.

In conclusion, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s announcements during the India International Footwear Fair 2023 demonstrate the government’s commitment to promoting the Indian footwear and leather industry on the global stage. The introduction of an Indian sizing system for footwear, establishment of testing facilities, and emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices are steps toward enhancing the industry’s competitiveness, while ensuring its responsible and ethical growth.

As India’s footwear and leather sector strives to achieve new heights, it is poised to carve a distinct identity in the international market and contribute to the nation’s economic growth and sustainable development agenda.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the critical role of institutions such as the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in fostering collaboration with the footwear and leather industry. The minister emphasized that these institutions would play a pivotal role in developing new products and cutting-edge technologies that align with the dynamic trends and evolving demands of the market.

By leveraging the expertise and research capabilities of CLRI, FDDI, and NIFT, the industry can gain valuable insights and access to innovative solutions. These collaborations will enable the industry to stay ahead of the curve, swiftly adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends.

Incorporating the latest advancements in materials, design, and manufacturing processes will allow Indian footwear and leather products to remain competitive both in domestic and international markets. The partnership with these esteemed institutions will facilitate the development of products that not only meet global standards of quality and aesthetics but also embody the essence of Indian craftsmanship and creativity.

Furthermore, the collaboration between industry and academia will foster an ecosystem of innovation, talent development, and skill enhancement. This symbiotic relationship will empower the workforce with the knowledge and expertise required to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Minister Goyal’s emphasis on collaborative efforts between industry and institutions reflects the government’s commitment to promoting research and development in the footwear and leather sector. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and best practices will enhance the industry’s overall competitiveness, driving its growth and contribution to the nation’s economy.

Through these collaborative endeavors, India’s footwear and leather industry is poised to become a global trendsetter, catering to diverse market preferences and requirements. By staying attuned to market dynamics and continuously innovating, the industry will consolidate its position as a significant player in the global market and further bolster India’s position as a leader in the manufacturing and exporting footwear and leather goods.