OPICAM makes a comeback
Representatives of footwear associations from Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia held a meeting during the International Leather and Footwear Exhibition in Bogotá on February 15 to formally re-constitute the activities of OPICAM – the Pan American Organisation of Leather, Footwear and Leather Goods Manufacturers.
OPICAM was created a year ago in Bogotá by combining the principal Latin American associations under one banner. One of the main priorities of OPICAM is to combat the organised smuggling of shoes into the member countries. The leather, footwear and leather goods sectors, especially in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and now Mexico, have been deeply affected by this illicit activity. The aim is to lobby governments to take a firm stand against such activities, establish a unified approach in an attempt to solve the problem, and thereby protect local economies and jobs.
The second aim of the umbrella organisation is to negotiate - en bloque - favourable terms for entry into the FTAA (the Free Trade Area of the Americas), which is due to come on stream January 1, 2006, so as to have more political and commercial clout in the negotiating process.
After the initial meeting one year ago thirteen associations signed letters of intent to join OPICAM. The presidency is currently held by Colombia, with Venezuela and Ecuador occupying the 1st and 2nd vice presidencies respectively until 2004.
Delays occurred because of drastic and unforeseen changes at board level in the associations holding the main executive positions. The second meeting, which was due to be held in Caracas in October 2001, was postponed and the next meeting is due to take place on 24th April in Quito during Leather Expo 2002, when a more concrete strategy should be laid out.
