Valencian government wants shoe industry aid to be - footwearbiz: Lead

News

Valencian government wants shoe industry aid to be more targeted

24/11/2011
Footwear manufacturers in the Valencia region, Spain's biggest producer of shoes, will continue to receive support from the regional government next year, but less money will be available than in previous years and shoe firms are going to have to spend it carefully.

Regional minister for the economy, industry and trade, Enrique Verdeguer, held a meeting with representatives of industry association Avecal in mid-November at the headquarters of one prominent footwear firm from the region, Pikolinos. He told them: "In an environment in which there are cuts for all, we are going to have to be more selective than ever and respond to the short-term needs of companies. We want to work with industry organisations to reach an agreement on what constitutes the best use of public support for businesses."

Mr Verdeguer confirmed that the regional government will have a direct support budget worth EUR 8.6 million in 2012, but this will be shared by all industries. He pointed out that in recent years the footwear sector has received more help to promote its products than any other, putting the combined total for the last four years at EUR 11.5 million.

He said money will still be available next year to help footwear firms promote their brands in overseas markets through attendance at trade fairs, creating catalogues, taking part in trade missions and so on.

footwearbiz.com cannot be held responsible for content if the language setting is changed from English.

The translations provided by Google Translate are automated and therefore might not be accurate and may contain incorrect, offensive or misleading language. We offer this facility as a guide only.