Positive Outlook for Malaysian Footwear and Accessories Exports in Europe
WEDNESDAY, August 19, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s participation in the recently concluded Global Destination for Shoes (GDS) and Tag It! International trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany yielded sales of RM42 million.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) coordinated the participation of 10 Malaysian companies in the event. Among companies were Sakura Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Holmen (M) Sdn Bhd, Jimmy Couture Trend Sdn Bhd, Golden Boss Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Sooi Seng Sdn Bhd, Unico Footwear Industry Sdn Bhd, Wai Hong Shoe Industry (M) Sdn Bhd, Kong Brothers Enterprise Sdn Bhd and HTP Soles Manufacturer Sdn Bhd.
According to Mr. S.Jai Shankar, MATRADE’s trade commissioner to Frankfurt foreign buyers are still open to sourcing from Malaysia as the range of products offered by Malaysian exporters remains wide. “The buyers are also confident of the quality assurance accorded by Malaysian products as well as commitment from the Malaysian manufacturers in providing flexible offers,” he said.
Malaysian exporters are usually ready to take smaller orders from buyers who are either relatively small or wish to test the capabilities of different suppliers. “This is something that some of Malaysia’s competitors might not be too keen to provide. Many of the buyers came to the booth to repeat their orders and add new designs to their collections,” he added.
Involvement in the event builds a stronger presence for Malaysian footwear and accessories industry in the global market, particularly in Europe. In 2014, Malaysia’s global exports of footwear rose by 4% to RM 493.10 million as against 2013. For the first half of 2015, exports of footwear totalled at RM 263.6 million, an increase of 7.9% as compared to the same period of last year.
