pk-china-user By Mariam Raheem
Around 100 Chinese companies from major manufacturing regions including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Henan played a prominent role at the 11th Pakistan Footwear, Material and Machinery Show 2026, transforming Hall No. 1 of the Expo Centre Lahore into a dynamic hub of commercial activity and international collaboration.
The three-day exhibition, held from March 27 to 29, featured over 350 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and spanned three halls. This year’s event was structured around five specialized themes: Innovative Fashion Design, Accessories and Semi-finished Products, Footwear Supply Chain, International Footwear Products, and Intelligent Shoe Machinery Equipment—collectively showcasing the entire industry chain, from raw materials and design innovation to finished products and advanced manufacturing solutions.
The significant and expanding participation of Chinese companies at the exhibition highlights the strengthening trade relationship between the two countries and growing confidence in Pakistan’s market potential.
Speaking at the event, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani commended Chinese footwear firms for introducing high-quality products, premium materials, advanced manufacturing technologies, and modern design concepts to Pakistan. He emphasized that these contributions are playing an important role in supporting the development and modernization of the country’s local footwear industry.
Kent Kuang, president of the Guangzhou Yuexiu District Footwear Association, highlighted the significant rise in Chinese participation at the exhibition, noting that this was his third consecutive year organizing Chinese exhibitors. “The number of Chinese exhibitors has reached around 100, compared to just over ten in 2023,” he said.
He explained that this sharp increase reflects growing confidence and long-term commitment from China’s footwear industry toward the Pakistani market, as well as deeper integration between the two countries’ footwear industry value chains. Kuang further observed that the global footwear and leather sector is rapidly shifting toward greener, smarter, and more internationalized development, adding that Pakistan is emerging as one of South Asia’s most promising markets and a potential growth driver for the industry.
As the exhibition concluded, Chinese exhibitors reported strong business engagement, including substantial inquiries and on-site orders, describing their participation as highly productive. Industry experts believe that sustained collaboration with China, along with the event’s growing international reach, positions Pakistan’s footwear sector to expand exports, enhance product quality, and move up the global value chain.
