Boom in footwear and leather exports

Sri Lanka's booming footwear and leather sector has recorded the highest export growth in recent history.

"Our footwear and leather exports have shown a strong growth trend. In 2012, exports from this sector stood at $ 30 million but in 2013 it registered $ 51 million, an increase of 63%," said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen at the inauguration of the sixth edition of Footwear and Leather Fair at the BMICH recently.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Industry and Commerce, Deputy Minister Lakshman Wasantha Perera, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake and members of the diplomatic community from 13 countries were present. Exhibitors from Egypt, France, Korea, Kenya, Germany, Seychelles, Iran, the Indian Footwear Component Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) and one Chinese took part in the event, which was first held in 2007.

The sixth edition, organised by the Export Development Board, Industry and Commerce Ministry, Industrial Development Board and the Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers' Association (SLFLPMA), is the international level platform for Lankan footwear and leather product exporters, manufacturers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their talent and ability locally and globally.

Among the events at the exhibition included designer awards, fashion show and stall competition. "This event is a strong platform for networking and market diversification for Lankan stakeholders," said Minister Bathiudeen adding, "What is more interesting is that this event is taking place at a time when our footwear and leather exports show a strong growth trend."

"The leather and footwear industry has been identified as a thrust industry for development. Accordingly, the ministry has taken many initiatives to safeguard the local manufacturers and also to develop and promote exports," he said.

"I commend producers and exporters and award winning Sri Lankan footwear exporters such as Michelangelo Group which supply to global footwear brands such as JC Penny, John Lewis, and Bata Switzerland and even the competitive Italian market," Bathiudeen said.