India may institute special awards for footwear and leather exporters who make effective use of free trade agreements.

Awardees may also be new companies, entrepreneurs, startups and those who come up with innovative ideas, enter into uncharted territory with new markets and products.

Footwear holds great potential for India. The country is working toward getting zero duty access through free trade agreements in leather goods, sportswear and footwear. About 7,000 small industries units are connected with the footwear sector which holds great significance to the economy and foreign exchange earnings of the country.Nearly 40 per cent employed in the sector are women and for every 1000 pairs that are produced or sold, 425 jobs are secured.

India is the second largest producer of footwear and leather garments. India has immense potential in the footwear sector and ethical and responsible practices like zero-waste discharge, salt-free tanning, and occupational health and safety interventionscan increase production and export ten times in the near future. Through a quality control order imports can be limited and good-quality exports can be achieved.

Strong global branding through road shows, e-platforms and global joint ventures can help the sector make a mark globally. Attention can be given to the non-leather footwear sector as well.