By IANS
Agra : The city of the Taj Mahal will host its first international shoe fair in November.
The two-day event, promoted by the Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC), will attract at least a dozen foreign participants, AFMEC president Ajit Singh Rana said.
Besides, 72 local exporters will also showcase their products. The organisers will provide 150 stands.
The November event will have stalls for display of the latest shoe making machines and components from Italy and China.
AFMEC vice president Shahroo Mohsin said the November fair was being organised on the pattern of Italy’s Bologna shoe fair. Finished leather suppliers from Chennai, Kanpur, Kolkata and other places will also be put up at the stalls.
Agra is famous for its shoe industry that employs more than 100,000 people. In addition, manufacturers have diversified their production line with a wide range of goods including purses, belts, wallets, bags, clothing, lampshades, beanbags and many more items made of leather.
Agra produces more than 400,000 pairs of shoes every day in modern factories and cottage enterprises.
Of late some concern has been expressed over the Chinese invasion in the footwear industry. But leading manufacturers do not see any threat.