Nuria Montes Announces Measures to Strengthen the Valencian Footwear Sector

The Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Nuria Montes, has announced that the Consell will establish a framework to enable footwear companies "to grow in size to become more resilient." She made this announcement at the Micam fair in Milan, where she accompanied and supported Valencian businesses present at Micam, the world's most significant event for footwear operators, held from September 15 to 17 at the Milano-Rho exhibition center.

Montes toured the stands of companies from the Valencian Community, which total 56 and represent 51% of Spanish participation in the event. She emphasized the importance of "charting a roadmap in collaboration with the sector that allows companies to grow in size to become more resilient."

This is one of the objectives set by the Consell, with measures that "we will address with the implementation of the Reindustrialization Plan to be presented on September 30," Nuria Montes indicated.

"We stand by a vital sector of our economy that positions the Comunitat as Spain's leading footwear producer and exporter. This sector has faced difficulties but continues to bet on design, innovation, quality, and a brand image that crosses borders," Montes stated.

During her tour of the fair, accompanied by representatives from Avecal, the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism also highlighted the need for the sector to regain its export momentum after a period of slowed external sales.

The Valencian Community was Spain's leading footwear region in 2023, accounting for 36.7% of total sector exports with a value exceeding 1.289 billion euros, representing a 7% decrease compared to the same period last year.

In the first half of 2024, footwear exports from the Comunitat reached 613.8 million euros, a decrease of 12.7% compared to the same period last year.

"It is evident that we are in a complex scenario to which companies are constantly adapting. As an administration, we want to work jointly with the sector to help its companies become more competitive by identifying new opportunities and adopting strategies that allow the sector to continue growing," said the minister.

Among the challenges facing the footwear sector that will be analyzed in the Reindustrialization Plan for the Valencian Community are technological challenges such as applying virtual reality and augmented reality in manufacturing, implementing artificial intelligence, or advanced manufacturing automation.

Environmental challenges include using sustainable materials, adopting strategies to minimize carbon footprints, or promoting a circular economy. Other challenges include expanding into international markets and strengthening collaboration between companies.

The 98th edition of the Milan fair features 921 brands participating, 50% of which are international. Companies are showcasing their summer 2025 collections with five concepts: Contemporary, Premium, Everyday, Emerging Designers, and Accessories for shops.

Spain participates with 110 exhibiting companies, making it the second country in terms of exhibitors. The Valencian Community, with 56 firms mostly from Alicante province, is the Spanish Autonomous Community with the largest presence at the event.