DOMESTIC footwear makers are bracing for challenges and attempting to compete against the dominating foreign brands and imports in the market. They will try to grasp a firm market share in the domestic market, according to the Myanmar Footwear Manufacturers Federation.
The federation will endeavour to win some market share against foreign brands that hold about 75 per cent of shares in the domestic market.
The federation was formed to expand the markets of the domestic makers.
“Some footwear has its brand. Manufacturers must prioritize quality control and assurance to maintain a strong brand reputation and earn customer appreciation. They need to prioritize durability, quality and comfort for proper footwear. If a brand cannot guarantee durability, its brand reputation will go down for sure. Makers need to give footwear warranty for at least two months and cover manufacturing defects. It is a kind of market promotion,” said U Kan Nyunt, chair of the federation.
At present, markets can get access to water-based shoe adhesives produced domestically instead of imports. They source 85 per cent of raw materials domestically and only 15 per cent from foreign markets. The footwears are planned to be distributed with the Made in Myanmar logo. — ASH/KK
