United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) delegation consisting of eight-members namely, Mr. Bogale Feleke Temesgen, Mr. Wondu Legesse Gizaw and Mr. Seble Daniel Solomon from UNIDO, Mr. Zulfikar Abajihad Ababushen and Mr. Dagnew Negasa Urgesa from LLPIRDC, Ms. Sintayehu Befekadu Gossa from Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), Mr. Neway Alemu Bekele from Modjo City Administration and Mr. Dagnachew Abebe Amea from Ethiopian Leather Industries Association (ELIA) visited FDDI, Noida Campus on 10th May 2025.
The purpose of the delegation's visit was to explore opportunities for development in non-leather products and laboratory testing. While Ethiopia possesses a rich base of leather raw materials, the delegation emphasized the need to diversify into the non-leather segment, which constitutes 70% of global consumption.
In this regard, the UNIDO delegation met Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, Managing Director (MD), FDDI to strengthen business ties & to forge linkages further.
On this occasion, Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Secretary, FDDI, Ms. Manju Maan, Executive Director - FDDI, Noida Campus, Mr. Sharad Srivastava and Mr. Deepak Choudhary, officials of FDDI and Mr. S.K. Verma, Executive Director - Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) were also present.
The need for a cluster-based approach to drive sectoral growth was emphasized by the MD, FDDI and the delegation was invited to visit the Bahadurgarh cluster in Haryana to gain insights into its development and impact.
The ongoing Twinning project, a collaborative initiative with Ethiopia, was discussed, highlighting its positive impact since 2010—particularly through benchmarking efforts that have significantly enhanced the performance of Ethiopia’s leather and footwear sector.
The delegation visited the International Testing Center (ITC), which houses fully equipped Chemical and Physical Laboratories specializing in the testing of leather, leather products, footwear, footwear components, textiles, plastics, and related materials.
The delegation also visited the Non-Leather Center covering Virtual Modelling, Knitting & UV Lab and Pilot Plant. They were briefed on the integration of advanced machinery and the application of CAD/CAM-based design support systems including 3D Printing, UV and Laser Applications in footwear manufacturing.
