India will host its maiden international leather show Expo Riva Schuh India that would boost the domestic leather industry besides launching famous global brands in the country. “Over 200 renowned global leather products-makers will take part in this prestigious event that is expected to generate revenues of around Rs.4,000 crore and give a major boost to the Indian leather industry,” Expo Riva Schuh Chief Advisor Roney Simon told this correspondent.
Mr. Simon, who is credited for bringing this global fair to India, said exhibitors would not only find a fair but also a partner who would provide them with all kinds of assistance with Indian market starting from customs rules, Indian regulations to market analysis. “The fair will be a unique opportunity for all those sign up. It must be remembered that India is the world's second largest manufacturer and second largest consumer of footwear,” he said. Starting July 28 at Pragati Maidan in the Capital, the three-day fair will be held in collaboration with the Council for Leather Exports and state-run India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). Stating that the fair would become an annual feature, Mr. Simon said increase in exports of value-added products in the leather industry would help in raising income and creating jobs for millions of people. “In 2010-11, India exported leather goods worth $3.8 billion, while the industry employs around 25-lakh people. We expect good orders from the fair. About 100 companies from abroad will be interested in partnering India, who can manufacture their products. Some of them will also invest here with a joint venture partnership,” he added.
Giving details about the fair, Mr. Simon said it was purely a business-to-business platform that would set the tone for global trends in footwear and leather design. It would present the finished products of various commercial sectors, from footwear to leather accessories — footwear, bags, belts, purses and wallets and gloves.
Exhibitors from Italy, Spain, France, the U.K., China, Thailand and other countries will be there. Italy will be represented by as many as 40 top brands like Giovanni Fabiani, Loriblu, Manas, Massimo Santini, Fabi and Fratesi. Expo Riva Schuh fair is the most popular fair for low to medium-priced footwear, conducted twice every year in Italy.
