3rd largest shoe producer country to partake at 'Foot Wear Expo 2008'

25 Oct '08

4 min read

Brazilian footwear exports to the Middle East have exceeded USD 32.5 million or 3.1 million pairs from January to September this year, effectively tripling the total value of the country's footwear exports to the region in the comparable period in 2007, according to Abicalçados (Brazilian Footwear Industries Association).

With aims of boosting Brazil's current position as the third largest shoe-producer in the world, leading Brazil-based manufacturers have confirmed their participation at 'Foot Wear Expo 2008', the definitive event for the footwear industry in the Middle East region, which will commence its three-day run on November 03, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.

Headlining the Brazilian delegation at the event are Abicalçados and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), a trade and investment promotion agency, who are the collaborators behind the Brazilian Footwear Program - an initiative that supports Brazilian companies in their participation at footwear exhibitions all over the world.

Under the patronage of the program, four companies will be extensively participating at the upcoming 'Foot Wear Expo 2008', namely J. Jacometi, Francajel, Luiza Barcelos and Malu who are set to showcase a wide range of men's and women's shoes at the event.

“The Middle East footwear industry holds much potential, with all its segments - from women, men and children - proving to be an ideal market for manufacturers who produce varying types and class of footwear,” said Milton Cardoso, President, Abicalçados.

“We believe that appearing in both local and large-scale regional fairs such as the 'Foot Wear Expo 2008' is a great strategy to penetrate high potential markets and to bring forward the top notch footwear products of Brazil to the global audience. Our presence is part of our continuing efforts to promote Brazilian footwear companies and their products, while establishing very good contacts with other global players.”

In addition to the Brazilian delegation, leading footwear companies from China, Thailand, Italy and Spain have also confirmed their participation at the event, as they expect the regional footwear market to continue its current uptrend amidst the growth of Middle East retail sector, which is expected to cross USD 2.5 billion in 2008.

Furthermore, research firm RNCOS has revealed that among the GCC economies, the UAE has exhibited rapid growth in its retail industry and is poised to secure a compound annual growth rate of 12 per cent. This has prompted event organiser Orange Fairs & Events to hold the event in Dubai, where it will host leading players from the USD 1 billion GCC footwear market.

Positioned at the frontline of the regional footwear market is China, whose footwear products have witnessed steep growth amidst 'globalisation' in the footwear industry, making the Asian economy the biggest source of footwear to the UAE and the leading footwear manufacturer in the world.

More General News - Brazil...