A decision more necessary than ever before in order to contrast the protectionist policies threatening to obstruct the free flow of goods, reducing consumption and the opportunities for investment and business by footwear manufacturers worldwide. At the end of the third International Footwear Forum established by CEC- the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry and dedicated to international trade, representatives from various national footwear associations together with chambers of commerce from around the world signed a joint declaration that will see them cooperate for the free and fair trade of footwear. At the same time, the agreement represents a firm opposition to every kind of tariff and non-tariff barrier, while also urging institutions to establish an open and fair field for the global market, without resorting to practices of dumping and counterfeiting. Moreover, it is a commitment of signing members to support positive results by undertaking lobbying activities with their respective national governments.

Once again, the International Footwear Forum platform founded by CEC- the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry focuses on international cooperation in order to find solutions to the sector’s problems: “In the mid to long-term – commented Cleto Sagripanti, CEC President, at the signing of the declaration – protectionist policies can only contribute to making businesses more fragile. With a rapidly evolving economy and society, ruled by consumers, national associations and political players must enact joint initiatives to ensure our companies can benefit from business opportunities in a free and fair market. Today is an important day for our global footwear industry and I believe that it is the beginning of a transparent and open collaboration between representatives from five continents for free and equal trade”.