International footwear and leather exhibition from Feb 5-7
Local footwear and leather manufacturers need to be linked to global
markets. This series of exhibitions is the best platform for the Lankan
F&L sector to enter competitive global markets, said Addl. Director
General, Development, EDB, Jeevani Siriwardena at the pre-event briefing
on the International Footwear and Leather Expo.
Chairman, F&L Expo Organising Committee and Managing Director, Ceylon
Leather Products, Sitendra Senaratne, Executive Director, EDB, Dr.
Yousuf K. Maraikkar, Development Division Director, Ministry of Industry
and Commerce, T.M.B Menike, and Addl. Director General, EDB, Rekha M.P.
Hewaliyanage were also present.
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From left: Chairman, Organising Committee, Sitendra
Senaratne, Addl. Director General, Development, EDB, Jeevani
Siriwardena, Executive Director, EDB, Dr. Yousuf K.
Maraikkar, Development Division Director, Ministry of
Industry and Commerce, T.M.B. Menike and Addl. Director
General, EDB, Rekha M.P. Hewaliyanage at the head table. |
Over 50 manufacturers are due to take part in the exhibition at the
BMICH from February 5-7.
The Footwear and Leather exhibition series - a joint effort of the
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the Ministry of Industry and
Commerce, the Industrial Development Board and the Sri Lanka Footwear
and Leather Products Manufacturers Association, has been attracting more
global exhibitors since its launch in 2007 and has now become a showcase
of the latest Lankan F&L production and design trends.
There will also be several competitions such as best designed product
and best stall, most innovative SMEs and a fashion show.
High quality, sustained volumes and competitive pricing have been the
key factors contributing to the success of Sri Lanka's footwear and
leather products industry.
ADG Siriwardena said, "Our footwear and leather manufacturers should
not only be supported but they also need to be linked to global markets.
"The series of footwear and leather exhibitions is the best platform
for the Lankan F&L sector to find ways into the competitive global
market.
"Exhibitions of this nature are critical to enhance our production
capacity. There will also be over 30 international exhibitors taking
part in this event," she said.
EDB officials said no foreign items could be displayed by local
exhibitors.
The number of stalls at the exhibition which was 141 in 2007
increased to 225 last year.
This year 106 local and 16 foreign firms will display their products
in 230 stalls. Prospective buyers from India, Pakistan, Oman and Kenya
will participate in the fair.
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