Expo Riva Schuh Middle East opens in Sharjah

The show was opened by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Also present at the occasion were Mr. Roberto Pellegrini, President Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Advisor to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah, and industry representatives.

Offering a 360-degree view of the entire industry in one convenient location, the show will run until Wednesday (February 11, 2009) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

"The second edition of Expo Riva Schuh Middle East is taking place after a very successful debut of the show in February last year. Though we are in the midst of an economic slowdown, I believe the footwear industry is unlikely to face any serious issues. This is mainly because we are continuing to add new retail space, which spurs demand for a variety of products and brands -- footwear and leather products being prominent among them," said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa after the opening ceremony.

The dignitaries went around the stalls and were briefed about the displays and the market opportunities present in the country and the region.

"The fact that majority of the construction projects in the country are progressing well means millions of square metres of retail space will be added to our economy in the near future. This is going to offer a tremendous opportunity to the footwear and leather products' sector," Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa said.

About 4.2 million square metres of mall space is in the works in Dubai alone. By 2010, 16.35 million square metres of retail space will be complete in the GCC, with 2.6 million square metres of gross leasable area set to be ready by this year.

The show this time is featuring around 150 exhibitors and brands of leather goods and footwear in the low, medium and high-end brackets, representing 20 different countries. Italy with 22 companies continues to be the biggest exhibitor. This is followed by China and India, respectively. Pakistan, too, has a significant presence.

"We haven't left any stone unturned to promote the fair among our key target markets," said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

"In this regard, a huge delegation of top buyers, mainly from the Middle East and CIS countries, will visit the second edition of Expo Riva Schuh Middle East," Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa said.

A special hospitality package will be provided for the VIP buyers, where a round trip ticket and hotel accommodation is being provided. Trade analysts, who will provide assistance in selecting the most interesting products, will accompany these select buyers.

"This novel initiative is carried out in association with the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade - Rome and is aimed at boosting business at the show," added Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

The exhibits at the show are divided into non-European, Chinese and European pavilions. The latter will also house a Top Style Pavilion, dedicated to medium and high-end products from Italy.

Expo Riva Schuh Middle East is held in association with its world-renowned parent show in Italy - Expo Riva Schuh. "The Italian show has a waitlist of more than 300 for its next edition to be held in June 2009. In association with its organiser Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Expo Centre Sharjah will leverage on the success of the Italian show here in the Middle East," said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan.

Another key factor in favour of the industry is the huge market opportunities available in the region. "The country, and to some extent the region, does not have enough footwear manufacturing capacity to meet the requirements of the surging population. This has led to a thriving import-driven market. The show will be a good opportunity for local and regional distributors and agencies to forge deals with foreign manufacturers," Mr. Khan pointed out.

The President of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Roberto Pellegrini, said: "Despite the general weakness of markets, many companies have confirmed their trust in Expo Riva Schuh Middle East by investing in the business potential offered by this area."

"With Expo Riva Schuh Middle East, Riva del Garda Fierecongressi Spa and Expo Centre Sharjah have created a platform that aims to meet the growing needs of distribution and sales markets in the Middle East, offering a wide range of products," Pellegrini said.

"The event will allow companies to reach new markets, thanks to its location in the centre of an area surrounding no less than 24 countries in the Middle East and the former Soviet Republics," he added.

Italy is the leading shoe-manufacturing country in the European Union, which holds the eighth place among worldwide footwear manufacturing countries and is the fourth largest exporter of footwear in the world.

Italy has always been the undisputed leader for the manufacturers of luxury and high-end shoes having a high fashion content.

A major highlight of the show will be country pavilions from Brazil, Pakistan, India, Italy and Ethiopia. Leading brands and manufacturers from these countries are sure to generate good deals at the show.

Footwear and leather products that will be on display include shoes, boots, slippers, sandals, wallets, briefcases, travel-ware, gloves, miscellaneous leather products, pvc-coated synthetic leather, ladies bags, portfolio bags and pouches.

Sport shoes, orthopeadic shoes, flip flops, moccasins, clamping boots, classical shoes, dance shoes, espadrilles, riding boots and safety shoes will also be on display.

Expo Riva Schuh Middle East is open to trade visitors only.