Brazil, whose footwear exports to the Middle East have exceeded $32.5 million or 3.1 million pairs to the end of September this year said it will target further growth at the Foot Wear Expo 2008 next month in Dubai.

The expo, a definitive event for the footwear industry in the Middle East region, which will commence its three-day run on November 3, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.

Brazilian footwear exports to the Middle East have tripled in value in the nine months this year compared to the same period in 2007, according to Abicalçados (Brazilian Footwear Industries Association).

Brazil is aiming to boost its current position as the third largest shoe-producer in the world.

Abicalçados and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), a trade and investment promotion agency, who are the collaborators behind the Brazilian Footwear Program - an initiative that supports Brazilian companies in their participation at footwear exhibitions all over the world, will the lead the Brazil-based manufacturers at the event.

Four companies - J Jacometi, Francajel, Luiza Barcelos and Malu - are set to showcase a wide range of men’s and women’s shoes at the event.

'The Middle East footwear industry holds much potential, with all its segments - from women, men and children - proving to be an ideal market for manufacturers who produce varying types and class of footwear,' said Milton Cardoso, president, Abicalçados.

'We believe that appearing in both local and large-scale regional fairs such as the ‘Foot Wear Expo 2008’ is a great strategy to penetrate high potential markets and to bring forward the top notch footwear products of Brazil to the global audience. Our presence is part of our continuing efforts to promote Brazilian footwear companies and their products, while establishing very good contacts with other global players.'

In addition to the Brazilian delegation, leading footwear companies from China, Thailand, Italy and Spain have also confirmed their participation at the event, as they expect the regional footwear market to continue its current uptrend amidst the growth of Middle East retail sector, which is expected to cross $2.5 billion in 2008.

Furthermore, research firm RNCOS has revealed that among the GCC economies, the UAE has exhibited rapid growth in its retail industry and is poised to secure a compound annual growth rate of 12 per cent.

This has prompted event organiser Orange Fairs & Events to hold the event in Dubai, where it will host leading players from the USD 1 billion GCC footwear market.

Positioned at the frontline of the regional footwear market is China, whose footwear products have witnessed steep growth amidst ‘globalisation’ in the footwear industry, making the Asian economy the biggest source of footwear to the UAE and the leading footwear manufacturer in the world.

However, manufacturers from Europe still dominate the high-end leather footwear industry, with Italy still remaining as the leading supplier of upmarket leather footwear to the Emirates.

'The Middle East footwear market has emerged as a significant contributor to the region's retail sectors, with as much as EU50 million attributed to footwear sales in Dubai alone.

'The outstanding opportunities within this thriving market and the growing number of global as well as regional companies seeking to leverage the outstanding demand has made the presence of a dedicated platform on the footwear industry very important.

'We are especially looking forward to the products the Brazilian delegation will be showcasing, which we expect to attract tremendous attention at the event,' said Nafees Ahmed, project manager, Orange Fairs & Events.

The organiser has revealed that over 70 manufacturers from 17 countries such as USA, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Brazil, Greec