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President Droupadi Murmu on Monday highlighted the potential for India’s footwear industry to further strengthen its position in the global market, calling for expanded business efforts to boost exports.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), President Murmu emphasized that India is already a major footwear exporter, with exports in 2024-25 exceeding $2.5 billion, more than four times the country’s imports of $680 million. She added that the sector holds significant opportunities in the rapidly growing sports and non-leather segments.
“India is a major footwear exporter of the world, but to further boost our exports, the footwear business needs to be expanded even more,” President Murmu said. She expressed optimism that India could eventually emerge as a global leader in footwear production and consumption.
The President also noted the support being provided by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to attract investments and foster growth in the sector.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the event, said India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed nations would create new opportunities for domestic businesses. He cited examples of international brands like Prada adopting India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, bringing traditional Indian footwear to global markets.
Goyal urged graduates to focus on exploring new markets, driving innovation, and maintaining high-quality standards in their products to enhance India’s competitiveness internationally.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the event, said India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed nations would create new opportunities for domestic businesses. He cited examples of international brands like Prada adopting India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, bringing traditional Indian footwear to global markets.
Goyal urged graduates to focus on exploring new markets, driving innovation, and maintaining high-quality standards in their products to enhance India’s competitiveness internationally.
This article was originally published by the Franchiseindia.com. To read the full version, visit here 
