Online Desk: Prominent business personality Syed Manzur Elahi expressed confidence in the future of the footwear business, saying that it will always remain in vogue.

Addressing a gala dinner organised by Apex Group at a city hotel on Friday, Mr Elahi, the chairman of Apex Group, said that 80 per cent of shoes are crafted from synthetic materials, while the remaining 20 per cent is made from leather.

“And this 20 per cent is still a big market share,” he emphasised, commenting that this segment will continue to thrive as a fashion item.

Mr Elahi, a pioneer in Bangladesh’s footwear manufacturing and exporting, noted a shift in shoe production from China and Vietnam to neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh.

The dinner gathering coincided with the 2023 edition of the three-day Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leather Goods International Sourcing Show (BLLISS).

Mr Elahi said that due to some reasons, buyers are seeking to diversify their sources beyond the countries that traditionally supplied the majority of the footwear market.

“And this is an opportunity for us,” he told a large gathering of stakeholders.

Mr Elahi highlighted the sourcing show as a crucial platform for capitalising on this opportunity, bringing together buyers, suppliers, government officials and representatives from the banking sector.

He also expressed gratitude to the government for being part of the show. He said without the government’s facilitative role, the industry would struggle to progress.

The event included a session where three distinguished speakers discussed the potential of the leather industry. The session was moderated by Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex Footwear.

The event featured insights from third-generation businessmen and shoe manufacturers, including Alan Landa from the USA, Shoji Kasai from Japan and Taslima Miji from Bangladesh.

A mesmerising cultural event was held where workers and associates of Apex Footwear performed.

Besides, Apex released its sustainability report during the event.