Around 100 Chinese enterprises from Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Henan and other major manufacturing hubs have taken center stage at the 11th Pakistan Footwear, Material and Machinery Show 2026, turning Hall No. 1 of the Expo Centre Lahore into a vibrant focal point of business activity and international cooperation, Gwadar Pro reported. The three-day exhibition, held from March 27 to 29, brought together more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries and occupied 3 halls.

This year’s event is organized around 5 specialized thematic zones: Innovative Fashion Design, Accessories and Semi-finished Products, Footwear Supply Chain, International Footwear Products, and Intelligent Shoe Machinery Equipment, covering the entire industrial spectrum from raw materials and design concepts to finished footwear and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The strong and growing Chinese presence at the exhibition reflects deepening bilateral trade ties and rising confidence in Pakistan’s market potential. Addressing the event, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani singled out Chinese footwear companies for bringing high-quality shoes, superior shoe-making materials, advanced production technologies and sophisticated design concepts to Pakistan.

He also noted that these contributions provide a solid material foundation for the growth and modernization of Pakistan’s domestic footwear industry. Kent Kuang, president of the Guangzhou Yuexiu District Footwear Association, highlighted the remarkable growth in Chinese participation at the event.

“This is my third consecutive year organizing Chinese exhibitors to this show. Chinese exhibitors have reached around 100, up from just over ten in 2023,” Kuang said.

“Behind this growth is the confidence and commitment of China’s footwear industry toward the Pakistani market, and it is also a testament to the deepening integration of the Chinese and Pakistani footwear industry chains.”

Kuang pointed out that the global footwear and leather industry is accelerating its transformation toward green, intelligent, and international development, adding that Pakistan, as one of South Asia’s most promising emerging markets, is becoming a key growth engine for the global footwear industry.

As the expo wrapped up, Chinese exhibitors reported strong business inquiries and on‑site orders, with many calling their participation highly rewarding. Industry observers believe that continued collaboration with China, together with the increasing internationalization of the event, leaves Pakistan’s footwear industry well positioned to broaden its export base, upgrade product quality and ascend the global value chain.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China