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“We would like to remark to all international buyers: Italian regulations allow you to travel to Italy. The European Commission and the Italian Government have prepared specific plans of action to ease business activities”. SIMAC TANNING TECH, the international exhibition of machines and technologies for Footwear, Leathergoods and Tanning industry, that will be held from 22nd to 24th September 2021 at Milano Fiera Rho, closes the first round of applications with a positive result: more than 200 exhibitor requests, from machinery’ manufacturers and technology providers, to chemical auxiliaries and service suppliers for the Footwear and Leather processing sectors, that are ready for a comeback and to restart from the international stage offered by Simac Tanning Tech, with an exhibition area of roughly 9.000 mq.

Assocalzaturifici held its Annual Meeting the past few days in Bologna. The meeting had to be held behind closed doors due to the pandemic, but the issues discussed will be the focus of an event to be attended in person at the end of the year. At the meeting, Chair Siro Badon emphasised the impact of Covid-19 on the footwear industry, one of the hardest-hit sectors of production, along with other components of the Italian Textiles, Fashion and Accessories sector. In 2020 the sector lost about 1/4 of its total turnover (with the final balance being 10.72 billion euro, -25.2% compared to 2019) and national production. There were sharp reductions in both foreign trade and domestic consumption. After the collapse in levels of business during the first part of the year, as a result of the lockdown, there was just some respite in the severity of the decline in the next two quarters (although this still remained in double-digit territory), as opposed to a V-shaped recovery.

“The preparations for Gallery FASHION & Shoes are in full swing. We’re looking forward to the upcoming event on the usual scheduled date: but of course only for individuals who have been vaccinated, tested, or who have recently recovered from COVID-19. Exchange and inspiration are more important than ever. Customers want to be surprised and wowed with new ideas and insights! A direct, personal connection is key here: whether in the ordering of new collections or at the POS itself. That’s why we have also added extra industry talks on topical issues to our accompanying line-up. The Areal Böhler has meanwhile developed into a hip location with impressive catering offers – an added bonus for all our visitors during their time here.” Ulrike Kähler Managing Director of Igedo Company

“Finalmente ripartiamo con la formula tradizionale – spiega Siro Badon, Presidente di Assocalzaturifici e MICAM – le aziende hanno la necessità di tornare ad incontrare i buyer e di riallacciare le relazioni. Abbiamo lavorato senza sosta per fornire tutti gli strumenti per rilanciare le occasioni di business, le contrattazioni di ordini, sostenendo le imprese italiane nella penetrazione dei mercati internazionali. Solo così riusciremo a risollevare le sorti di un comparto produttivo il cui apporto è fondamentale per il Made in Italy. Siamo pronti!"