The congress was successful in working with a subject as sensitive as it is strategic, the event managed to bring together a representative sampling of the international footwear industry with professionals and experts from nearly 30 countries, including 100 foreign attendees from outside China.

Organised by UITIC and the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) in the Shangri-La Hotel in Guangzhou. The discussions included the world’s biggest names in footwear and prestigious brands. Numerous international professional federations were also present, notably the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC).

The high technical and scientific quality of the 37 presentations and posters proposed by international experts made it possible to showcase innovative and operational solutions in all areas of CSR. The tours of the Belle Group and Huajian Group factories were conducted at the start of the congress and were interesting from a technological and industrial perspective.

Present in 27 countries, the UITIC aims to develop technical knowledge in the footwear industry, in particular by organising international conferences and setting up information exchanges between its members. The UITIC groups together national associations of footwear technicians, professional organisations and research centres. Yves Morin, CEO of French research organisation, CTC has been President since 2010.