Chandigarh: Punjab has taken a major step toward strengthening its sports goods, footwear, and leather manufacturing ecosystem by signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), a premier central institution of national importance.
The agreement, signed by the state’s Industries and Commerce Department, aims to enhance industrial competitiveness through modern testing infrastructure, skilled workforce development, design and innovation support, and improved market linkages.
Strategic Partnership to Strengthen MSME Sector
The collaboration is expected to significantly benefit Punjab’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the footwear, leather, and sports goods sectors.
Key objectives of the partnership include:
- Integration of MSMEs into national and global supply chains
- Expansion of export capabilities
- Access to modern design, innovation, and testing facilities
- Strengthening of industry competitiveness
The initiative is also expected to create new opportunities for employment and industrial growth across the state.
MoU Signed Between Key Officials
The agreement was formally signed by:
- Jaspreet Singh, Director, Industries and Commerce Department, Punjab
- Vivek Sharma, Managing Director, Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI)
Officials stated that the partnership will help bridge the gap between industry requirements and technical capabilities through structured academic and industrial collaboration.
Skill Development and Academic Collaboration
The MoU includes several initiatives aimed at skill enhancement and knowledge exchange, such as:
- Introduction of bridge training programmes
- Faculty exchange initiatives
- Joint curriculum development
- Collaborative research projects
- NSQF-aligned training programmes under state and central schemes
FDDI’s Banur campus will play an active role in implementing skill development initiatives across Punjab.
Focus on Testing and Quality Infrastructure
A key component of the agreement is the development of advanced testing and quality assurance facilities for the sector.
Planned initiatives include:
- Establishment of footwear and accessories testing sample collection centres
- Linkage with FDDI’s International Testing Centre in Noida
- Development of a sports goods testing and development laboratory in Jalandhar
These facilities are expected to improve product quality standards and support export-oriented manufacturing.
Boost to Innovation, Exports and Employment
The partnership is designed to promote innovation, enhance product quality, and strengthen Punjab’s position in domestic and international markets.
By improving technical infrastructure and workforce skills, the initiative is expected to support long-term industrial growth while generating new employment opportunities in key manufacturing hubs across the state.
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