On 27th January 2026, FDDI, in collaboration with the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), hosted a high-level meeting with a Vietnamese delegation under the theme “Exploring Trade, Manufacturing, and Investment Synergies.”
The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the footwear and leather sectors through focused discussions on skill development, quality enhancement, technology exchange, and joint venture opportunities.
Conducted in hybrid mode from the Conference Hall at FDDI Head Office, Noida, the meeting sought to establish structured institutional and industry-led collaboration between India and Vietnam.
The Vietnamese delegation comprised Mr. Bui Trung Thong, Trade Counsellor and Head of Trade Office, Embassy of Vietnam; Mrs. Tran Thi Lan Huong, First Secretary, Trade Office, Embassy of Vietnam; and Ms. Sonia Das, Advisor, Vietnam Trade Office.
FDDI was represented by Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, Managing Director (MD); Col. Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Secretary; Ms. Manju Maan, Executive Director, Noida Campus; Mr. Manoj Agarwal, CAO; Ms. Rashmi Asthana, Head – ITC; Ms. Renu Sharma, Head – Academics; Mr. Sharad Srivastava, Joint Director – CoE; and Mr. Prashant Saxena, Head – Business Development.
Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, MD, FDDI, and Mr. Sanjay Gupta, President, IFCOMA, formally welcomed the dignitaries and delegates, underscoring the importance of deeper India–Vietnam engagement in the footwear value chain.
Industry partners participating through IFCOMA included Ess Aar Universal Pvt. Ltd., Versatile Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Shroff Polytech Pvt. Ltd., Shoes & Accessories, and Harman Sales Pvt. Ltd. Representatives shared insights into component manufacturing, material innovation, supply chain integration, and potential avenues for cross-border collaboration.
As part of the visit, the Vietnamese delegation toured FDDI’s International Testing Centre (ITC) laboratory. The visit provided firsthand exposure to FDDI’s advanced testing infrastructure, research capabilities, and industry support services, reinforcing the institute’s role in innovation, quality assurance, and skill development.
During the session, FDDI presented an overview of India’s footwear ecosystem, highlighting education, research and development, testing, design capabilities, and skill training. IFCOMA followed with a focused perspective on India’s footwear components industry, emphasizing manufacturing clusters, export potential, and the expanding depth of the domestic supplier base.
An open and constructive discussion explored manufacturing partnerships, sourcing models, technology transfer, and design collaboration. The deliberations maintained a practical orientation, emphasizing commercially viable and scalable frameworks for cooperation. FDDI also outlined its capacity to support partnerships through R&D, product and design development, quality testing, and specialized training programs. The possibility of formalizing cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnamese institutions was also discussed.
The meeting witnessed strong participation from across the footwear and allied sectors, reflecting industry-wide interest in enhancing India–Vietnam collaboration. Distinguished participants included Mr. Erik Oliver, Secretary – IFCOMA; Mr. Ajay Gaur, Deputy Director – IFCOMA; Mr. Amit Chopra, Managing Director – ACDC Group; Ms. Dipika Chopra, Founder Director – Shoes & Accessories Magazine; Ms. Tripti Pandey, Associate – Invest India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, CEO – Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC); Mr. Navin Anand, Director – Creations World Wide Ltd (UK/China); Mr. Kamal Ahuja, AVP – Alpine Shoes Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sumeet Bhatere, Director – Alpine Shoes Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Saurabh Shroff, Director – Shroff Group; Mr. Virender Narula, Director – AMS Narula Labels Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sudhir Rustagi – ESS AAR Universal Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Yogesh Madan, General Manager – Marketing, Enkay Rubber Group; Mr. Deepak Manchanda, Partner – Top Lasts; Mr. Prem Madan, CEO – Pitch Perfect; Mr. Pradeep Walia, Consultant – Sourcing, Aero Club Woodland; Mr. Neeraj Kumar Sharma, Manager – Standards, LSSC, Noida; and Mr. Kartik (Nandi Foot Wears Pvt. Ltd.), among others. Online participants included Ms. Snigdha Agrawal (The Foot Replica), Mr. Yogesh Mankar (Colour Kicks), and Mr. Sunil Kumar (LLPD Buying Agency).
The engagement concluded on a positive note, laying the foundation for structured, long-term cooperation between India and Vietnam in the footwear and leather sectors, driven by innovation, quality, and shared growth objectives.
