|
IFCOMA organized its 26th Buyers Sellers Meet cum Exhibition of Footwear Components and Accessories at Hotel Holiday Inn at Agra on 27th & 28th August, 2006. The two days fair had 50 companies across India, showcasing their products and attracted over 1400 trade visitors.
The event was inaugurated jointly by Shri Raj Babbar, M.P.(Lok Sabha) from Agra, Chief Guest, Shri Rajeev Lakhara, IRS,
Managing Director, FDDI and Guest of Honour Shri Jagdish Arora, President AFMEC in the presence of eminent personalities
associated with the Agra Footwear Industry, media and participants.
|
Shri Raj Babbar, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Agra and Shri Rajeev Lakhara, IRS, Managing Director, FDDI cutting the ribbon during inauguration, flanked by Shri Mani Almal, President, IFCOMA and Shri Vikas Rathi, Jt. Secretary and Convener (BSM).
|
Chief Guest Shri Rajeev Lakhara, IRS, MD, FDDI being felicitated by Shri Mani Almal, President, IFCOMA.
|
In his welcome address, Shri Mani Almal President, IFCOMA highlighted the remarkable growth in Agra footwear industries in last 3-5
years. He also informed support from the Government under schemes like IDLS for expansion and modernization to withstand the
global challenges. He called for rationalization in basic duty structure to make a level playing field for the domestic
industry where cheaper imports were permissible under DFIS and retarding the domestic productivity by levying high excise
duties. Commenting on the importance of components as the backbone of the footwear industry, he stated that growth of
footwear industry is dependent on the strength of component industry in India and in last 10 years the sector has grown over
3000 crore with export of components direct & indirect made over 40 crores.
|
|
Citing the pace of development in Vijaywada after IFCOMA’s BSM last year, he stressed that developments were homing
southwards due to their personal endeavor, interaction and initiative and called upon the Agra fraternity to reap the
benefits of Government’s support for bringing the region back on higher growth and international recognition. Touching upon
IFCOMA’s BSM activities last year and International achievement through JUFT in getting significant Indian Components
included in the importable list of Pakistan. He announced that with active support from Indian Shoe Federation, IFCOMA has
decided to organize its 1st BSM at Chennai on 4th & 5th November, 2006.
|
Shri Raj Babbar, MP, Agra addressing the gathering.
|
|
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Raj Babbar called upon the Agra footwear industry to uphold its 300 years tradition in
footwear synonymous with its ancient history. He expressed that Industry in Italy and Europe was bigger than Indian Industry
because people were going to the buyers abroad and their success depended on their skill to impress the buyers. He informed
that Government has cleared the proposal of Ministries of Commerce & Tourism to invite the buyers recommended by the industry
to visit the country and personally view the in-house facilities and expertise. Taking clue of developments in Vijayawada, he
asked industry in Agra to try and stay ahead for which he offered his full support.
|
| Next |
