Slovakian leather and footwear sector sees strong growth in 2001
According to figures released by the Slovakian Leather and Footwear Industry Association, revenues in the country’s footwear and leather sector were up 16% in 2001, while gross earnings were an impressive 200% higher than in 2000.
The president of the association, Stefan Sulo, said that both production and exports had significantly increased in 2001 when compared with 2000. Mr Sulo went on to say that prospects were good for the sector, especially with the increase in foreign investment, which doubled in 2001 to reach SKK1.1 billion ($22.85 million).
While the EU is becoming an increasingly important market for the country’s exports, Mr Sulo said that Slovakia still exports more shoes to the neighbouring Czech Republic. Domestic consumption in Slovakia remained fairly static in 2001, and exports now make up around 80% of sales for companies in the leather and footwear sector.
