Matrade to Take Part in Shoes, Accessories Expo in Germany

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will be participating for the second consecutive year in the "GDS & Tag It!", an exhibition for private label in shoes and accessories in Dusseldorf, Germany from July 29 to Aug 1. Nine leading Malaysian footwear manufacturers and the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers' Association (MFMA) will showcase their best and latest collection, ranging from ladies shoes, men's shoes, safety and industrial shoes to sports and high fashion shoes. The participating companies include NelissaHilman, CV&JS, HTP Soles, Jimmy Couture, MFMA, Reveya, UnicoatTag It! and Golden Boss, according to a statement by Matrade here Friday. Malaysia is among one of Asia's leading exporters of footwear and the participation under the Malaysia Pavilion at this event is to further strengthen the country's position in the European markets. The country's footwear manufacturers have successfully marketed their own brands, while several manufacturers are also producing for international brands such as Camel, Hush Puppies, Scholl, Puma and Nike under licensing arrangements. During the four-day event, Matrade Frankfurt has arranged one-to one business meetings for exhibitors at the Malaysia Pavilion at Messe Dusseldorf. Malaysia's exports of footwear in 2013 increased by 6.8 percent from RM443.8 million (about US$139.80 million) to RM474.1 million. Positive growth was recorded for January to May 2014 with exports expanding by 7.6 percent to RM208.2 million from RM193.5 million in the same period last year. Among the major markets were Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan and Pakistan. (US$1 = MYR3.17) -- BERNAMA