BASIC SHOE BUSINESS
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Vandana Ramani interviews Rajeev Lakhara, managing director, Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
What are the job opportunities in the footwear sector?
The footwear industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in India. India’s footwear retail market is expected to grow at a compound 
annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20 per cent from 2008 to 2011. India is the second largest producer of footwear after China, accounting for 14 per cent of footwear production of 14.52 billion pairs. Footwear is the engine of growth of the leather industry, currently accounting for an export value of US$ 1212 million, holding a major share of 41 per cent in India’s total leather trade. Considering this fact, by 2010-2011 footwear exports from India are expected to reach US$4.5 billion, where the overall exports of leather products will reach US$6.98 billion, wherein footwear alone will account for a share of 65 per cent in India’s total leather exports. Footwear is expected to comprise about 60 per cent of the total leather exports by 2011 from over 38 per cent in 2006-07.
With many global retail chains actively sourcing footwear from India, there is a huge opportunity for footwear designers, technicians and managers.
During the placement session held recently on campus, international luxury brand Louis Vuitton offered a package of Rs 5 lakh per annum to one of our students.
Skillsets required for becoming a shoe technologist?
Familiarity with the fashion industry, illustration skills, and broad knowledge of textiles, leather and materials and an understanding of shoe engineering are some of the baseline skills for becoming a shoe technologist. Proficiency with computer-assisted design (CAD) programmes and modelling software is also useful. In addition, strong marketing skills, an ability to analyse trends and basic business acumen are important for those wanting to start their own footwear lines.
What are some of your new tie-ups with foreign universities?
FDDI has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with ARS Sutoria, Italy and LDT Nagold, Germany.
At present, we have campuses operational at Noida and Fursatgunj (Rai Bareli). Besides these, there will be four new campuses at Chennai, Kolkata, Rohtak and Chhindwara functional from the new session.
Author: HT Horizon
Date: 21st April, 2010
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