The inauguration ceremony started with Shri Raghu Saran, secretary IFCOMA welcoming the Guest and inviting them on the dias followed by presentation of with flower bouquets. Shri Mani Almal, President IFCOMA in his welcome address briefed the gathering of the association activities and the importance of this BSM and awareness programme with past successes,

which has brought changes in the footwear designing and quality all over the country. This, he said, is evident from the scenario " as large number of footwear manufacturers all over the country has started using polymer Last and PU soles, the most expensive sole when compared to PVC and other sole materials in latest designs to produce perfect quality footwear.

It is "Creating awareness and direct linkage" our main motto of the events organized in the country and so in the international fairs. He also said that our components are now well accepted by the International footwear manufacturers as exports have started and imports have slided to just Rs 60 cr. which is just 15% then its 5 years back figures Mr Almal said that IFCOMA is very thankful to FDDI and the Govt.

for the support in setting up its first "One Stop Display cum Resource Center" in the FDDI complex, at Noida (U.P) and requested the Chief Guest for providing similar infrastructure to have one center opened here which will be linked with Noida center. He thanked SIDBI for their financial assistance for the awareness programmes as this is the first and fastest tool in the "skill up-gradation" for the artisans & cobblers.

Mr Razdan praised the Development Commissioner for sparing his valuable time and highlighted on the huge potential of footwear manufacturing in the state. He detailed on the engineering of footwear manufacturing with the importance of components, machinery and technology with focus on quality components to produce footwear.