Staff Reporter Islamabad
The footwear industry of Pakistan is looking for space where it can strengthen its footprint in global markets to grab a greater share of exports from its competitors.
Their demand is increasing, especially after the establishment of the Italy-Pakistan Footwear Technological Centre last year.
Greater access to technology, which the industry under the banner of the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) has attained, is one of the primary reasons why the stakeholders are now urging the government to formulate a policy for this industry.
According to PFMA, there are about 80,000 plus shoemaking factories in Pakistan.
However, the country only has 10 mechanised medium units, which produce more than 5,000 pairs per day.
Apart from that, there are 150 mechanised small units, producing 2,000-5,000 pairs per day and 5000 semi-mechanised units which are producing up to 2,000 pairs per day.
Rest of the manufacturers, around 75,000, come under cottage industry, which highlights the need for mechanisation in this industry to increase production volumes.
These figures suggest that 20 percent of footwear industry is operating under organised sector in Pakistan.
