Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Piyush Goyal, lauded India’s thriving footwear and leather business, a significant foreign exchange earner employing around 4.5 million people, including 40 percent women. Speaking at the India International Footwear Fair 2023 (IIFF) in New Delhi, he highlighted India’s potential to become the world’s top-quality footwear producer. The country already ranks second in leather apparel exports, third in saddlery and harnesses, and fourth in leather items, with 95 percent of manufacturing facilities being small-scale enterprises.
Goyal announced the introduction of an Indian size standard to boost global recognition and reduce reliance on foreign sizing patterns. He encouraged businesses to explore Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for partnerships and joint ventures in non-leather footwear to expand exports and strengthen the domestic market.
The Minister emphasised sustainability, waste management, and renewable energy use to ensure the industry’s growth and eco-friendly practices.
