Venezuela: Footwear associations finally combine
After several attempts during the 1980s, Venezuela’s two existing footwear associations Cavenic and Anpmicals, together with the components association Cafaca, have finally taken the decision to come together under one banner. The new association is called Cavecal (or the Venezuelan Footwear and Components Association) and has been formed to defend the common interests of its members against the wave of shoe imports which started in 1989, after the Venezuelan economy was opened up to competition.
Since 1997 legitimate imports and organised smuggling have had a devastating effect on Venezuela’s footwear sector. Imported footwear currently occupies around 65% of the Venezuelan market. Cavecal is setting out to improve productivity levels and boost international competitiveness by setting up a training centre to enhance the skill base and exploiting the recent devaluation of the Bolivar through a more aggressive approach to exports.
