Vigevano, May 28th 2013. In order to foster the development of the Ethiopian industrial sector, UNIDO ITPO Italy and Assomac have organized a study tour in the Vigevano Industrial District, to which an Ethiopian institutional delegation partecipated, led by State-Minister of Industry Sisay Gemechu.
The event was opened by Assomac, the National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery for Footwear, Leather goods and Tannery, an industry leader worldwide. The representatives of the association presented at the delegation the characteristics of the industrial and entrepreneurial excellence of this area, and highlighted the excellent business relationship between the District and Ethiopian companies.
The visit provided the opportunity to explore main sector of specialization of the District: thefootwear sector and the mechanized-footwear sector. As far as the first is concerned, the Ethiopian delegation visited a company specialized in the manufacturing of cutting and tanning machines. In the afternoon, the tour continued to a shoe factory known for its ability to combine quality and design to high production standards.
During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to better observe not only the state-of-the-art, tannery techniques and technology, but also the organization and the structure of this integrated tannery supply-chain, based on flexible production and market demand adaptability.
In recent years the Ethiopian leather industry has known a sharp increase in production and quality.
In this context, the study tour held at the Vigevano District, as well as that organized at the Santa Croce District last year, aims to facilitate the transfer of technology and know-how that may improve the efficiency and quality levels of the Ethiopian tanning industry.