OREANDA-NEWS. June 02, 2011. The first international specialized exhibition of leather and footwear opened in Uzkurgazmasavdo Complex in Tashkent.

The exhibition is organized by the Association of Uzbekcharmpoyabzali (Uzbek leather footwear) together with TNT Productions, which specializes in organizing international exhibitions, seminars and conferences.

International Specialized Exhibition “Leather and footwear. Uzbekistan – 2011,” which is attended by over 60 companies from dozens of countries, is to promote cooperation between small businesses and representatives of wholesalers and distributors in the field.

About 70 enterprises of Uzbekcharmpoyabzali produce different products from local raw materials. In 2010, these enterprises have exported leather goods and ready-made shoes to China, Pakistan and Turkey. Also, these companies produced over 12 million pairs of shoes for domestic market.

Quality of materials and skilled workers resources play an important role in the development of leather production and manufacture of footwear. Every year the number of such enterprises and the quality and production volumes rises. In 2003, only three businesses were involved in the processing of leather, at present, more than 20 companies operate in the field.

The exhibition presents footwear for women, men, children, sports shoes, slippers and shoes for rest, and special orthopedic shoes. Also, leather and imitation leather products of clothing, bags, belts as well as sports equipment catch visitors’ interest.

“Uzbekistan is rich in high-quality tanning raw material,” said the executive director of the Portuguese company Plamitoi Andre Silva. “We want to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with leather processing enterprises in your country. Our company produces shoes for children and adults, and exports it to more than 40 countries.”

The Dambog shoe factory in Namangan region produced 48.000 pairs of shoes in 2010. In order to train young people, “Master-disciple relationship” was established at the factory. The students of schools and colleges had opportunity to come to the plant during their free time to learn and improve professional skills.

“Our company began its activity in 2008 with the production of 30 kinds of shoes. Now we produce over 200 kinds of products,” said the head of Dambog factory Nosir Hodjimirzaev. “We developed more than 40 models of men’s shoes. Our products can easily compete with imports, and the price is much lower. In order to equip enterprises with modern technologies and further improve the quality of products we have purchased new equipment.”

Within the exhibition a demonstration of women’s clothing was held.