Notwithstanding the unpredictability of its currency and some persisting difficulties, the CIS continues to show a preference for Made in Italy to the great satisfaction of businesses operating in these markets, as demonstrated by the recovery in Italian exports during the first six months of 2017. An air of optimism also prevailed at the last two editions of Shoes from Italy Kiev and Shoes from Italy Almaty, the events organized by Assocalzaturifici, which were held in what are considered two of the most promising market in the area, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
In chronological order, the first event was held in the economic capital of Kazakhstan from 11 to 13 October 2017 at the prestigious venue of Dom Piemov. 50 Italian footwear and leather goods manufacturers met up with 260 buyers coming not only from Kazakhstan, but also from all the states of Central Asia: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kirghizstan, for a three lively days of business. Contacts and negotiations were supported by a programme of promotional initiatives kicked off before and during the event by Assocalzaturifici in synergy with the ICE Almaty office, including invitations extended to delegations of selected buyers and gala events that saw the participation of both clientele and the local press.

Both an accessible workshop and strategic gateway onto the Ukrainian market, Shoes from Italy Kiev brought together around thirty Made in Italy companies and 160 local members of the trade at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on 7 and 8 November, in what was a mutually beneficial scenario on both fronts. The feeling among Italian businesses at the end of the event was that it presented genuinely profitable business opportunities in a country with high potential, even when considering only 50 million potential consumers make up its base.

The next appointments with Shoes from Italy will be in Almaty from 4 to 6 April 2018, and in Kiev from 11 to 12 April 2018.