Aid for Portuguese shoe sector
According to a statement issued by APICCAPS, the Portuguese footwear trade body, the government has given its shoe and textile industry $1.2 billion to help boost exports, obtain finance deals and prevent job losses.
The Portuguese government is also looking to help the two sectors modernise production processes by providing funds and fiscal incentives for investment in technology, staff training and recruitment.
External promotion will also be a priority for the government. In 2009, more than 120 Portuguese companies will participate in 40 fairs and exhibition overseas, throughout 13 different markets, with an investment of 8.5 million euros.
Compared with the textile sector, the Portuguese footwear industry, which accounts for around 4% of the country’s total exports, has not fared too badly during the global downturn, according to APICCAPS. In 2008, exports increased 2.2% €1.3 billion, with increases registered to Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Denmark. A third year of export growth is anticipated for 2009.
