Event Highlights Footwear Industry Potential in Franca Region, Boosts Exports
Organized by São Paulo's Economic Development Secretariat through InvestSP, event brought together manufacturers and international buyers
InvestSPSão Paulo's Economic Development Secretariat (SDE), through its investment promotion agency InvestSP, hosted an event on Thursday (10) in the state capital, gathering representatives from consulates and chambers of commerce from various countries. The goal was to present business opportunities with companies from Franca, a key hub in Brazil’s footwear industry located in the interior of São Paulo state.
The initiative was organized in partnership with the Franca Association of Commerce and Industry (ACIF), the Franca Chamber of Commerce, and the Franca City Hall. These organizations are behind the Franca Business Round (FBR), scheduled for April 8-10, 2025, which will feature business matchmaking and factory visits. InvestSP, with its team of foreign trade specialists and offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, is expected to help attract potential clients and partners for the FBR.
“We want to showcase to the world the excellence of the footwear produced in Franca and how competitive these companies can be in any market. In addition to drawing top international buyers to the event, our aim is to contribute to business generation, employment, and income in São Paulo,” said Julia Saluh, InvestSP’s International Manager.
From January to September 2024, São Paulo exported 4.3 million pairs of shoes, generating $66.3 million—approximately R$400 million—according to data from the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados). Besides Franca, São Paulo is home to two other major national footwear hubs in the regions of Jaú and Birigui