Luís Onofre has been re-elected for a second two-year term as President of the European Footwear Industry Confederation (CEC), the entity representing the European footwear industry, consisting of 21,000 companies responsible for 278,000 jobs.
The entrepreneur and designer who is also President of the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS), was unanimously re-elected after his first term was marked by the unprecedented economic and health Covid-19 crisis: “These two years were the most difficult for our sector, but we have to look for further opportunities for European footwear to strengthen its status in international markets”.

Focusing efforts towards pleading for an open and rules-based trade system in which global trading partners operate on equal terms so as to allow the European footwear industry to fully express its own values and grow internationally, is among the commitments of Luis Onofre and the Confederation.

Another crucial point is to promote the necessary updating of the European industrial strategy as much as possible, aiming to facilitate the transition to a greener and more digital economy, recognising the importance of maintaining a strong industrial network in Europe to ensure its strategic autonomy.

Lastly, the final point to focus on: stimulating interest in the sector among young people. This is crucial considering that in 2019, 70% of EU companies reported that the inability to find skilled workers hindered investment and further growth.