India–New Zealand Business Meet: Agra Set to Become ‘World’s Shoe Capital’

Agra, April 2026: Uttar Pradesh’s key industrial city, Agra, is set to emerge not only as the iconic “City of the Taj” but also as the “World’s Shoe Capital,” following a major push announced at the India–New Zealand Business Meet held at Hotel Amar Vilas on Sunday. The event, attended by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, marked a significant step toward transforming Agra’s footwear industry into a global hub.

The initiative is expected to act as a game changer for Uttar Pradesh’s economy, bringing substantial gains in exports, infrastructure development, and employment generation.

Exports to Surge 3–5 Times

Agra already contributes more than 75 percent to India’s leather footwear exports. At the meet, it was projected that exports from Uttar Pradesh could increase three to five times through Free Trade Agreements (FTA), Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), and bilateral collaborations. Partnerships with countries like New Zealand in raw material supply and design innovation are expected to strengthen the presence of UP’s products in markets across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, significantly boosting foreign exchange earnings.

Boost to MSMEs and Employment

The Agra footwear cluster currently comprises over 5,000 MSME units, providing direct and indirect employment to around 4–5 lakh people. With the push to develop the industry into a global hub and the inflow of foreign investment, these MSMEs are expected to expand significantly. This growth will create large-scale employment opportunities for youth and artisans in the state, while also helping to curb migration.

Infrastructure and Logistics to Drive Growth

To make Agra globally competitive with countries like China and Vietnam, Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure will play a crucial role. The upcoming Jewar International Airport and the proposed footwear park under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) are expected to transform logistics in the region. Faster and more cost-effective transportation will make UP an attractive destination for international buyers.

Global Branding and Technology Advancement

The initiative will also give Uttar Pradesh a new global identity, positioning Agra as a “city of footwear excellence.” Efforts will be made to secure GI tags for products, enhancing their global recognition. Discussions with the New Zealand delegation indicate that the state will not only focus on manufacturing but also on joint production and world-class design innovation. This is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen the state’s technological capabilities.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the industry through policy measures, including zero duty on components by 2030 and interest subsidies. Industry leaders, including Council for Leather Exports Chairman Ramesh Kumar Juneja and Footwear Development Council Chairman Puran Dawar, described the initiative as a transformative step.

The move is expected to play a key role in Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy, marking a major milestone in its industrial and economic growth trajectory.