Footwear companies from across Pakistan have attended a seminar on how to boost sector productivity and exports, as part of the Leather Competitiveness Improvement Program (ICIP).

The European Commission contributed nearly €2 million to the ICIP project – 90% of the costs – with the aim of improving the sector’s competiveness. It was launched in February and will run for three years.

Michal Špacek, from the International Shoe Competence Centre in Pirmasens, Germany, advised attendees on how to improve the quality of shoes, consume materials more efficiently and boost productivity.

In January, Pakistan was accepted into the GSP+ scheme of preferences, meaning its exports to the Europe Union would be free from tariffs. There has been signs of investment in a number of industries by companies keen to take advantage of the scheme and increase exports to Europe – footwear and leather are also set to benefit.