'Footwear Expo 2009' to host leading players from $190bn global footwear market

Global traders have expressed their confidence in the UAE's retail market and its infrastructure for re-export, following latest market findings by research firm RNCOS, that the local retail sector is poised for a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2009 to 2013 amidst the current fiscal crisis.

Organised by Orange Fairs & Events for the second consecutive year, the three-day exposition will open on November 02, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In anticipation of a bigger turnout this year, the organiser has expanded the event's venue to a total of 1500 sq. m. to accommodate the 2000 to 2500 visitors from 20 countries. A representative from Orange Fairs & Events also revealed that a total of 75 global companies from 15 countries are set to exhibit their signature products, including high-volume, low-to-medium and medium-to-high-priced footwear collection, leather products, travelware, handbags and fashion accessories, at the event.

"The confidence placed by global trading and manufacturing companies in the strength of the retail market and the export infrastructure of the UAE is an important indicator of the market's potential to remain lucrative despite the pull of the crisis," said Nafees Ahmed, Project Manager, Orange Fairs & Events.

Ahmed added, "Our goal in staging 'Footwear Expo 2009' is intertwined with the aims of many footwear companies to leverage the prospects within the regional market, amidst the growing demand. This year's event will also be focusing on the thriving re-export trade in footwear, given its strong showing in the region."

Estimated to hit an average of Dhs1bn per year, the UAE footwear market is witnessing increasing demand, especially for Gulf Arab sandals for both men and women, which are being manufactured and sourced locally within the GCC region. Leather footwear accounts for about 30% of the market share, with the rest belonging to textile, plastic and rubber footwear. Recognising the opportunities 'Footwear Expo 2009' offers for their business, manufacturers of leather and footwear products from China, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, The Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Portugal, U.S.A., UK and the UAE have confirmed their participation to attend the event.

"The past years have seen the UAE become one of the economies to provide an excellent retail environment to both global and regional businesses. By staging this event in Dubai, we are aiming to encourage companies to leverage the opportunities widely available in the country, while providing exposure to exceptional products that will enliven trade within the entire industry. We have high expectations that 'Footwear Expo 2009' will be another success, both in terms of global participation and value of products sold," concluded Ahmed.