Footwear and leather show attracts foreign buyers

The seventh Annual Footwear and Leather Fair organised by the Export Development Board (EDB) has garnered strong local and international buyer interest and buyers from a wider Middle Eastern region are entering the Lankan market.

"International inquiries and even orders came mainly from Pakistan, Nepal, India and the Middle East," said MD and CEO, Ceylon Leather Products PLC and Chairman of the organising committee, Sithendra Senaratne at the conclusion of the Footwear and Leather Fair at the BMICH last week.

The seventh edition of the annual Footwear and Leather Fair was organised by the EDB. The event was supported by the Industrial Development Board, Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers' Association and other industry stakeholders.

The export revenue from foot and leather sector witnessed steady growth over the years.

Exports of footwear and leather products brought in $ 110 million in 2014. The three leading markets for Sri Lanka's leather products are Germany, Canada and Spain while Australia, Vietnam and Italy lead in footwear products.

"The response of the public was great. Most of our small and medium sized enterprises came here to network and link with the market and they experienced success in that regard. When it comes to buyer inquiries, many foreign delegates showed serious interest compared to previous years," said Chairman Senaratne.

Local buyer interest is mainly due to new manufacturing to be done in March for the forthcoming New Year season.

"It is too early to indicate order values or amounts but we see strong orders. International buyers were looking for casual shoes and industrial and safety shoe supplies. Nepal wants more supplies from Sri Lanka due to zero duty for such imports from Sri Lanka," he said.