MICAM sets its sights on Central Asia

On 20 May, MICAM Milano brought together local operators and industry stakeholders for the presentation of the 102nd edition of the international footwear fair, promoted by Assocalzaturifici, with an event in Tashkent, Central Asia, consolidating industrial dialogue between Italy and Uzbekistan. The event formed part of a sector-wide strategy to support the fashion and leather supply chain in emerging markets.

During the event, a scholarship programme developed with Arsutoria, the Milanese school of excellence specialising in footwear and leather goods training, was also presented. Two young Uzbek designers were selected for training courses dedicated to design and production techniques, with the aim of strengthening creative and industrial skills in the local market.

The initiative took place with the support of ICE Agency – Almaty/Tashkent office – and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as part of the MICAM Academy project, a platform dedicated to promoting the culture of Italian footwear manufacturing among the younger international generation.

“The Tashkent initiative has confirmed MICAM’s role as a bridge to emerging markets,” said Giovanna Ceolini. “Uzbekistan is a rapidly growing market for Italian footwear imports and an increasingly important market for the footwear sector.”

According to data compiled by the Confindustria Accessori Moda Research Centre for Assocalzaturifici, the Uzbek market is establishing itself as a rapidly growing outlet for Italian-made footwear: Uzbekistan and the whole of Central Asia together import over €62 million worth of Italian footwear (2025), with Uzbekistan alone having purchased €12.4 million worth of Italian shoes, representing an increase of +189.8% over the last five years compared to +125.6% for the entire Central Asian region.”