At Diflex 2024, India displays the strength of its footwear and leather industries, with a $350 million UAE trade target in sight
INN/Dubai, @Infodeaofficial
With 43 manufacturing exporters taking part in the region’s largest leather products and footwear exhibition, DIFLEX 2024, which is presently taking place at Festival Arena, Dubai Festival City, India’s leather and footwear sector hopes to increase its market share in the United Arab Emirates.
The Council of Leather Exports (CLE) Executive Director R. Selvam IAS, who led the Indian team, stated that trade with the UAE has almost doubled from its previous level of $162 million and is expected to reach $350 million in the upcoming years. “The growth reflects the sector’s expanding footprint in the Middle East and African markets,” he stated.
Regarding domestic consumption, Selvam pointed out that by 2030, India’s per capita footwear consumption is predicted to quadruple from the current 1.9 pairs to 4 pairs annually, generating an additional demand for 2.2 billion pairs. Currently, the nation uses 2.5 billion pairs a year, and by 2030, it is expected to require an additional 2 billion pairs.
With more than 4 million Indians living in the United Arab Emirates, BG Krishnan, Consul (Trade and Commerce) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, opened the Indian Pavilion and highlighted the potential of the Middle East market. He stated, “This diverse demographic represents a significant market opportunity that continues to expand,” and that the expansion of the leather sector is in line with India’s goal of reaching Amrit Kaal by 2047.
Now in its fourth year, DIFLEX 2024 has drawn more than 250 brands from leading leather-producing nations, such as Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Turkey. Over 10,000 product lines will be on display during the three-day exhibition, which is anticipated to draw 4,000 trade attendees, including 300 international buyers. Indian manufactures occupy 43 of the 78 show spaces. The expo offers a platform for establishing long-term commercial partnerships in the GCC region’s expanding retail sector, which is expected to exceed $350 billion in the next four years, by showcasing sustainably manufactured leather goods, footwear, components, clothing, and accessories.