At the CEC’s biannual General Assembly, held on the 29th of June 2017 at the Chamber of Commerce of Venice and Rovigo in Venice, Cleto Sagripanti was re-elected to serve a second term as the CEC’s President, following two years of active dedication to the European footwear industry’s needs and interests, particularly in the areas of re-shoring, market access, internationalisation of SMEs and the simplification of regulations.

In the past few years, the CEC has encouraged and achieved positive outcomes for the European footwear sector, as evidenced by the recent conclusion of a satisfactory Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and Japan, with the complete elimination of the Japanese tariff quota system from the start, the reduction of tariffs into Japan from 30% to 21%, and their full liberalisation in 10 years.

Other ongoing challenges include the negotiation of a favourable EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement, designing a proper industrial policy that takes into account sectors’ specificities with the European Commission, and facilitating the digitalisation of European footwear companies to maximise their export and sales potential. On this last issue, the CEC is working on enhancing the digital skills of employees whilst also exploring trustworthy online markets outside Europe where European footwear companies can sell their shoes directly to consumers in a safe and easy manner. With the slowdown of physical stores and fast-growing e-commerce, the CEC sees digitalisation as an immediate priority.

President Sagripanti will continue working with the CEC to push for a favourable agenda for European footwear companies and will remain alert to the fast-paced political, economic and technological changes affecting the industry and the consumers’ expectations: “Our industry continuously faces many challenges, whether in manufacturing, skills-needs, export performance and selling channels, but these should be considered as opportunities to thrive and make our footwear industry stronger than ever,” President Sagripanti declared, beginning his new term with optimism.

Reflecting on his experience as CEC President, Mr. Sagripanti concluded: “I have learned during these last two years that if you work hard and put in a lot of effort, you receive more than you give.”