'Footwear Expo 2009' opens today

The event is set to host 100 exhibitors from around the world who are seeking to maximise an excellent opportunity to showcase their products and developments in technology, equipment and services, and tap into the Middle East footwear market. The organisers Orange Fairs & Events has expanded the venue to a total of 1,500 sq. m. to accommodate the 2,000 to 2,500 visitors from 20 countries who are expected to attend the exhibition's three-day run until November 04 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.

Designed to provide a powerful networking platform for regional and international companies, the exhibition has attracted the participation of international exhibitors from 8 countries, including Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, USA, Portugal, Italy, Mexico and the UAE. Some of the products, which are being showcased at the event include each of the country's signature products, such as high-volume, low-to-medium and medium-to-high-priced footwear collection, leather products, handbags and fashion accessories.

"With consumer and business confidence still high in the region, the exhibition is sure to offer manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and traders a unique opportunity to take full advantage of the stable markets in the region. The 'Footwear Expo 2009' addresses the importance of a common platform for the regional and international footwear industry players to exhibit their world-class products, and I hope that this initiative continues to receive the support of global exhibitors and customers from across the globe,"

said Ahmad. M. Shakir, Chairman, Shakir Group of Companies.

In addition to international delegations, the event will highlight the presence and endorsement of international public ministries and industry bodies such as Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (LEFASO) and Canton Footwear Association, China. The exhibition also houses two key pavilions hosted by China and Vietnam, which will promote each country's local companies and their specific area of focus. As a result, traders, importers and exporters who have come have specifically lauded the availability of a wide selection of high quality footwear products, as well as the presence of established footwear companies within the event.

"We have launched 'Footwear Expo' with the primary aim of encouraging the growth of the Middle East retail market for footwear and leather products, and we are proud that the show is growing and contributing to the overall advancement of this market. The response from the participants has been truly remarkable, and this affirms not only the importance of the Middle East as a premiere trading hub but also the event's established repute among the global footwear business community," concluded Raees Ahmad, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.