Pakistan Footwear Manufacturer Association (PFMA) organized Pakistan’s first Shoe designers’ graduation ceremony in Lahore after the first batch of Pakistan Shoe Design Hub (PSDH) successfully graduated from the institutions. This studio has been developed with the financial support of the World Bank, Government of Pakistan in collaboration with PISIC, CDI, UNIDO and with the expertise of Italian organizations, ASSOMA and PISIE. The ceremony is followed by an orientation seminar attended by TVET Chairman Mr Ali Salman Siddique, senior Government delegates and Chairman PFMA Mr Zahid Hussain, and stakeholders to update the development progress of the Shoe manufacturing sector.
This design studio provides services and training to footwear SMEs and more prominent manufacturers in Pakistan, intending to train local shoe manufacturers to apply the latest technological tools and techniques in creating innovative designs of their finished products to make them more competitive for International and national markets.
PSDH offers various courses and workshops in Shoe Master classic, Shoes Master power, Shoes Master creative, Mood Board development, Design collections development, trend forecasting & market intelligence, traditional & digital shoe design courses to enhance the skills of the Shoes manufacturing workforce.
TVET Chairman Mr Ali Salman Siddique, while attending the ceremony, appreciated the PFMA efforts in transforming the Shoe industry in Pakistan. He further said, “PSDH making a real difference in creating a highly-skilled workforce to bring our local Shoe industry at par with international standards and leading towards becoming the export-oriented sector of Pakistan. Their application of the latest tools and techniques helps local producers to develop quality products for local and international consumers. TVET and Government will continue to support such efforts aligned with PM’s “Made in Pakistan” vision.
PFMA Chairman Mr Zahid Hussain shared his gratitude for the TVET chairman positive views. He added that “PFMA continues its all efforts geared towards “Made in Pakistan” vision by enabling local producers to become self-sufficient in terms of Technology and Raw material and reduce reliance on import. Since our inception, we have successfully developed the required infrastructure for the local industry to thrive on and facilitated them with the modern technological tools from foreign investors to become leading exporters globally. We are thankful to the current Government and concerned authorities for providing us with the best possible support to grow and make this shoe industry attractive for investors”.