• More than 200 exhibitors are participating with representation from 35 countries
• Participation of Taiwan’s delegation will decide technical partnership
Agra. The Taj City is once again ready to become the center of the world’s footwear trade. The three-day 16th Leather, Footwear Components and Technology Fair Meet at Agra, to be organized by the Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) on 8, 9 and 10 November 2024, will be attended by 200+ exhibitors and 6000+ trade visitors, representing more than 35 countries. This information was given by AFMEC President Puran Dawar in a press conference held at the venue Agra Trade Center, Singana on Thursday.
He said that the main attraction of this fair will be the display of the latest shoe making machinery, components and the latest technology of the world in a huge area of more than 7200 square meters. This time more than 20,000 visitors are expected to come.
AFMEC Convener Captain A.S. Rana said that more than 200 stalls have been set up by various exhibitors in this fair, which are showcasing leather, sole, shoe adhesive, machinery and other components of footwear manufacturing. The main objective of this fair is to strengthen the supply chain of these products. Captain Rana said that this event not only serves to increase business opportunities, but also presents an important learning platform for students training in the footwear industry. Through this fair, young participants can learn about the latest technologies, products and business strategies of the industry, which will prove helpful in their career development. Meet at Agra is not just a trade fair, but it is a platform that connects all parts of the industry and provides new opportunities for learning, innovation and collaboration.
AFMEC Secretary General Rajiv Wasan, while highlighting the importance of the fair and its international participation, said that this year Meet at Agra will have representation of about 35 countries directly and indirectly. Countries like Taiwan, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Italy, China and United Kingdom have shown special interest in it. Mr. Wasan said that such participation not only strengthens the international identity of the fair, but it also provides an important platform for the global footwear industry. Exhibitors and traders from different countries will showcase their latest products, technology and innovations, which will inspire the Indian industry to compete at the global level.
He also informed that a special delegation from Taiwan will join the fair tomorrow. This delegation will try to display its cutting-edge technologies and products as well as establish potential business relations with Indian traders and manufacturers. Taiwan’s presence will be important in the fair due to its technical expertise and high quality products.
Rajesh Sehgal, Senior Vice President, AFMEC while talking about the 16th edition, said that the fair is on the threshold of its youth. “Today, this event has become a much-awaited event not only in India but also in the global footwear market,” he added, adding that over the years, the fair has gained significant traction and the growing number of trade visitors and exhibitors every year is a testimony to this. Sehgal said that this platform has not only given the local manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their products but is also helping in increasing business contacts at the international level.
Through this fair, various stakeholders of the industry come together to learn about new business opportunities, technological innovations and the latest trends in the market. Sehgal also mentioned that both global brands and small businesses mark their presence at this fair, which reflects the diversity and richness of the Indian footwear industry.
Rajesh Sehgal also said that over time, the fair has not only made its mark as a business platform but is also playing a vital role in the development of the industry. “Through our efforts, we aim to make it more elaborate and influential, so that it remains a major global event in the future as well,” he said. Thus, with the 16th edition, “Meet at Agra” has created a new identity, which is not only beneficial for the local industry but is also proving to be an important milestone at the international level.
Organizing Committee Chairman Gopal Gupta in his address highlighted the important role of “Meet at Agra” in the global footwear market. He said that this event is not only a major platform for India’s footwear industry, but its reputation is also constantly growing at the global level. Gopal Gupta clarified that “Meet at Agra” has played an important role in bringing together various players of the industry and creating a holistic business ecosystem. He emphasized that through this fair not only the latest products and technologies are showcased, but it also strengthens the global business network.
According to him, this platform is imperative for establishing new business relationships, exchanging knowledge and increasing competitiveness at the global level. Gopal Gupta said that “Meet at Agra” will continue to play an important role in the development of the footwear industry in the future, ensuring that India can maintain a leading position in this sector.
AFMEC Secretary Lalit Arora cited the statistics of India’s shoe market and said that this fair is helpful in strengthening the economy. He said that the rapidly growing demand and export potential of the Indian footwear industry can be further increased through this event.
Lalit Arora said that this fair helps in expanding business opportunities by bringing together various domestic and international exhibitors. He also underlined that the footwear industry not only contributes to employment generation, but it also plays an important role in India’s economic growth.
He believes that through events like “Meet at Agra”, dialogue and cooperation within the industry is promoted, which not only benefits the businessmen but also strengthens the overall economy of the country.
Highlights of 16th Leather, Footwear Components & Technology Fair ‘Meet at Agra’
• Fair Date – 8, 9 & 10 November 2024
• Venue: Agra Trade Centre, Agra
• Timings – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Key Statistics
• Exhibition area of more than 7200 sq.m.
• 200+ exhibitors
• 6000+ potential trade visitors
• Participation from 35+ countries
• 20,000+ potential footfall
Products from more than 35 countries and 50 verticals from around the world are being displayed. Spread over an area of 4.27 acres, the Agra Trade Center has 77,500 square feet of space for manufacturers to display their goods. It has state-of-the-art facilities like central air conditioning, food court, auditorium and meeting hall. It is noteworthy that the fair is playing a special role in accelerating production capacity while encouraging Make in India.
Every day of the three-day fair will be special
The organizing committee believes that maximum time of exhibitors, visitors and guests from the industry should be spent in seeing and understanding the products available in the fair. Therefore, the opening session has been made very subtle this time. The opening program will be of about 15 to 30 minutes on November 8 at 11 am. In this way, participants will get an opportunity to take maximum advantage of the products during the fair. The inauguration will be done jointly by Rakesh Garg, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Small Industries Corporation and Mukhtarul Amin, Chairman of LSSC. On this occasion, five groups will be awarded the “Excellence Award” for outstanding performance in the field of exports and components in the last financial year. This award will be given to those organizations that have achieved special achievements in their field of work, thereby promoting competitiveness and quality in the industry.
Seminars and Technical Sessions
The seminars and technical sessions to be held on November 9, 2024 at the Conference Hall of Agra Trade Center will discuss various important topics. These include topics such as investment in India, land acquisition for industry, finance management, venture capital, MSME exchange, and risk management factoring. This technical session will be managed by Charanjit Singh Kohli and Nakul Manchanda of AFMEC Next Generation. The program will be moderated by senior TV anchor Saurabh Manchanda. The event aims to provide in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing on key topics of the industry.
Media Briefing on Business Statistics and Achievements and Felicitation of Best Exhibitors
A media briefing will be organized on the last day of the fair in which business statistics and achievements will be discussed. Along with this, the best exhibitors will be awarded in the conference hall of Agra Trade Center.
Mainly present
On this occasion, Sudhir Gupta of AFMEC, Anirudh Tiwari, FAFM President Kuldeep Kohli, General Secretary Nakul Manchanda, Romi Magan, Aasma President Upendra Singh Lovely etc. were specially present.
