Portuguese footwear will reinforce its presence at the world's largest footwear fair, with 43 exhibitors (a 10% increase compared to the previous edition) at MICAM & MIPEL, taking place from February 23 to 25.

Within a week, 75 Portuguese companies will participate in various events in Milan during Fashion Week, in an initiative led by APICCAPS in partnership with AICEP, with the support of the Compete 2030 program.

"In an extremely demanding international context, with several key markets in a fragile economic situation, we are gradually returning to international markets," highlights Luís Onofre. According to the APICCAPS President, "the Portuguese footwear and leather goods cluster exports more than 90% of its production, making participation in international events particularly important."

For APICCAPS, after two years of significant restrictions, "it is time for the footwear sector to explore new opportunities in 2025." However, Luís Onofre warns that "the coming year will not be easy, with the slowdown in our main markets and the political instability caused by two ongoing wars."

The Portuguese delegation at MICAM & MIPEL will include 43 companies (with the events once again lasting three days). At Lineapelle, which features companies specializing in footwear components and leather tanning, the national delegation will consist of 32 companies, marking a 6.7% increase in participation.

The last edition of MICAM Milano, Milano Fashion & Jewels, MIPEL, and The One Milano attracted 40,950 professional visitors, with 45% coming from 140 foreign countries. European clients stood out, particularly from Spain, Germany, and France, as well as North American professionals, with double-digit growth in visitors from Canada and the United States.

The 99th edition of MICAM, scheduled for February, will be themed "Game Changers."