'Indian Businesses Must Strive For Better, Not Cheaper'

Agra Footwear and Manufacturers and Expoters Chamber (AFMEC) remains committed to serving the long-lead planning needs of the manufacturers and exporters. With its actionable representation, it is helping companies tackle business challenges – from rapidly changing global economic trends, governmental policies to new chemical regulations. One of its prominent and consistent initiatives is Meet at Agra trade event which by now has gained global reputation. In an interview with S&A’s Amit Chopra, AFMEC’s president Puran Dawar said, “It is very important that the leather as well as non-leather shoemakers continue to improve their efficiency. India has good leather shoe manufacturers and better quality leather. The workers may not be very productive but they are better craftsmen.”

How is AFMEC evolving?

AFMEC is very excited to move the chambers and is more closely aligned with the constantly changing needs of its members, both at a manufacturing and export level. Meet At Agra fair continues to break records with sold out space and participants from more than 25 countries. It remains committed to serving the longlead planning needs of the manufacturers and exporters. With its actionable representation, the chamber is helping companies tackle business challenges – from rapidly changing global economic trends, governmental policies to new chemical regulations. The association’s advocacy work provides insight and support on key legislative and regulatory issues, affecting members in global markets, and it maintains educational outreach to allied industry.

How has the industry grown post GST?

GST has brought in a ‘one nation one tax’ system, but its effect in one industry varies from another. Pre-GST, multiple indirect taxes resulted in increased administrative costs for manufacturers as well as for distributors, but with GST in place, the compliance burden has eased. However, declining exports and high infrastructure spending are just some of the concerns of this sector. The Indian leather and footwear industry provides employment to a large number of skilled and unskilled workers in the country. It contributes about 10% of the total annual export, and this value was expected to increase under GST. It may take a while, but in the long run we all will benefit.

How significant was AFMEC’s role in representing the retailers and the exporters at the GST council?