Shoe making is not mere an industry, but economy. However, the country could not utilize full potentials of this industry which can be the engine of growth for the overall economy. As a country of meat-eating nation, Pakistan produces high-quality leather in the world and its shoes industry has been picking up for the last many years. The population is growing and demand for shoes is also growing. The performance of only one industry can push the country into the list of the first world economies. But the shoes manufacturers could not pace up with modern trends and requirements as most of them are still using the age-old methods and primitive machinery. The country is the rising shoe market and is importing shoes from the United States, China and Italy. Illegal trade and smuggling of Vietnamese shoes are also growing which means the country has vast space and demand for new brands. Currently, all kinds of western and eastern brands are available at cheapest prices in the country and this is the business as usual. There is a need to inspire local shoes manufactures and entrepreneurs associated with the business. Many well-known manufactures and entrepreneurs have shut down their units in Pakistan and have turned toward China to keep their business in running mode.
A high tech state of the art leather institute under the supervision of the government is the need of the hour. A shoemaking institute in the government or the private sector will also be a source of inspiration for the shoes manufacturers. It is the time the manufacturers should focus on diversification of their products by enhancing their expertise in line with international trends. To engage the manufacturers of international brands in joint venture will also be a good idea to get expertise and technology. The share of Pakistani shoes brands in the international market is negligible. Unfortunately, the Pakistani leather manufacturers could not come out of the spell of their regional competitors. Unless they local manufacturers find space in the international market, they won’t be able to utilize their full potentials in the business. Turkey is comparatively a new entrant in the international market, but Turkish manufacturers diversified their products to enhance their sale. Pakistan is the livestock-rich country, but its leather exports fell to $0.92 billion in 2016-17 from $1.28 billion in 2013-14. But there is no use of exporting raw material as it will support the industry of other countries. Pakistan has the potential to become hub of shoes industry in the world.
