Valencian Cortes advance bold plan to sustain the Alicante footwear sector
The signing of a unanimous agreement in the Valencian Courts remains a rare event, yet today an exception occurred. Parliamentary groups are set to unanimously back the opinion of the special working commission focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the footwear industry, rooted in Alicante, to support an industry now confronting a critical moment. The commission, which continues its work after eight sessions held between March and June, has gained broad support from government groups PSPV-Compromís-Units Podem and from opposition parties PP, Cs and Vox for measures aimed at securing the future of Valencia shoes. The vote is scheduled for the second plenary session this Thursday. [Attribution: Valencian Courts]
The opinion proposes several steps, including raising border controls on imported footwear to curb unfair competition, and ongoing promotion of national branding. It recommends organizing Spain’s flagship industry showcase at the Alicante Trade Fair Authority, known as IF ONE, to bolster visibility and international reach. [Attribution: Valencian Courts]
Cortes advocates an inspection framework to safeguard the footwear economy
In particular, the document targets business models that require attention, urging the creation of robust and real training plans. The aim is to reduce home-based work arrangements by aligning with prominent public campaigns that support youth aged 16 to 18, ensuring a pathway for generational renewal within the sector. [Attribution: Valencian Courts]
National Center in Elche
Additional recommendations include developing dual vocational training programs dedicated to footwear, separating them from the textile sector, and promoting the creation of technology centers that reinforce innovation in the industry. The plan also suggests higher wages and retention policies to keep talent, along with exploring a 32-hour working week as a potential model. Strengthening cooperatives and fostering closer collaboration between large firms and SMEs and micro-SMEs are also highlighted, alongside redefining grant scopes and streamlining application processes for national support. A national reference center for footwear and an IES Sixto Marco in Elche are cited as pivotal institutions. [Attribution: Valencian Courts]
On internationalization, the strategy includes pursuing agreements with European shoe clusters, scheduling a timetable for free trade agreements within Europe, and establishing a communication channel with the Port of Valencia to review sea freight costs and efficiency. Sustainability remains a priority, with calls to value esparto grass materials, promote social tourism linked to shoe production, and create a sustainable kit for industry firms while accelerating the adoption of renewable resources in factories. [Attribution: Valencian Courts]