Need to further expand footwear business to boost exports: President Murmu

Addressing the convocation ceremony of Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), President Murmu said huge opportunities are there for the businesses in the fast growing sports and non-leather sectors.

President Murmu added that the Commerce and Industry Ministry is providing support measures to attract investments in the sector.

“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.

India’s footwear exports in 2024-25 stood at over $2.5 billion and imports were $680 million.

Exports are four times more than the imports and it would increase further, President Murmu added.

India ranks second in the footwear production and consumption, President Murmu said, expressing hope that the country would become the global leader in this segment.

Speaking at the event, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of the country would provide immense opportunities for the Indian businesses.

Mr. Goyal added that Indian footwear products are globally renowned.

Brands like Prada have adopted India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Kolhapuri chappals and tried to take them to the global market, Mr. Goyal said.

“India is doing a number of FTAs with developed countries, it will provide new opportunities for you,” Mr. Goyal said.

Mr. Goyal suggested the graduates to focus on new markets, innovation and procession of high quality goods.