Global footwear exhibition expected to attract record visitors

Representatives from 20 countries will be participating at the exhibition and there will be specially constructed national pavilions featuring goods from Brazil, Romania, Egypt, Pakistan and China.

Expo Riva Schuh Middle East will cover a floor area of 2,500 square metres and as well as international exhibitors, the show is likely to attract over 20 international footwear and leather associations as well as a host of journalists from across the globe.

Already, exhibitors from Austria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Syria, Taiwan (ROC), Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Zambia have signed up for the first edition of Expo Riva Schuh. Italy is well represented with 33 manufacturers from that country alone, and the Italian region of Marche has its very own 'Top Style' pavilion.

Mr. Saif Mohammad Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah, said the international attention being shown in the first ever Expo Riva Shuh exhibition to be held in Sharjah was indicative of the interest that the GCC was generating.

"By any standards, the level of interest being shown for a first exhibition of this kind is phenomenal and clearly demonstrates the appetite for information about the regional markets in the Middle East," he said.

"With high liquidity levels across the region, international manufacturers are experiencing a massive level of consumer demand and consumption across all sectors in the pan-Arab region. The footwear and leather accessories market is no exception to this and is currently experiencing a massive boom. Expo Riva Schuh Middle East is an ideal platform for global companies to tap into the regional market's unlimited potential," he added.

Expo Riva Schuh is an international trade show for footwear industry that is held bi-annually. It is organised by Riva del Garda Fiere Congressi in the town of Riva del Garda in Italy's Trentino province. It is the premier international event for footwear in the medium-price bracket that is with a retail price of between 75 and 100 euros.

Last June saw the 68th edition of Expo Riva Schuh held in Italy, in which an area of 32,000 square metres was dedicated exhibits from more than 1,100 exhibitors drawn from 32 countries. It showcased the spring/summer collection for 2008 and attracted over 10,000 visitors of whom almost two thirds represented foreign buyers.

Ms. Brigitta Bancher, Director of International Sales at Riva del Garda Fiere Congressi, explained that the GCC market for leather goods alone is estimated at over $1bn, with footwear worth more than $300m. And according to industry estimates, the world footwear market is projected to reach over $190bn within the next couple of years.

"We are absolutely delighted to be staging this first Middle Eastern edition of the show in close collaboration with the Expo Centre Sharjah, together with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry," she said, "as it has an excellent track record of organising several highly successful trade shows in the region. And with our international exhibition being an industry standard, it is not surprising that such a large number of global footwear manufacturers are queuing up for this debut edition of the show.

"Besides being the region's largest showcase of footwear and leather accessories in the medium price bracket, Expo Riva Schuh Middle East will also feature the latest technological developments within the footwear and leather accessories industries, and we also expect large visitor numbers from the North African countries and the CIS. With its highly strategic location, Sharjah is proving to be a veritable magnet for the industry across the entire MENA region," she added.

Lilian Fernandes, Group Project Manager Business to Business Events,, Expo Centre Sharjah, pointed out that as well as the exhibitors' stands being the focal point of the show, Expo Riva Schuh Middle East would also provide ample networking opportunities between the exhibitors and top decision makers from the footwear and leather accessories sector in the region.

"Global footwear and leather accessories companies participating in the event will have ample opportunities to appoint dealers, distributors, and associates since it is the first time in the Middle East that such a large number of key players from across the industries will be gathered under one roof," she said.

"There will also be a special event held on day two of the exhibition in which manufacturers will have the chance to learn more about market conditions in the Middle East and North African regions. "

Expo Riva Schuh Middle East will be held at Sharjah's Expo Centre from February 17-19, 2008 and will be open to trade visitors only.