Dear Colleagues;

KASD, the Konya Shoe Manufacturers Association, aims to gather under its roof the professionals who have made the shoe industry their profession, contributing to this sector with their knowledge and skills. Focusing on the entire supply chain from raw materials to the end consumer, the association seeks to foster professional solidarity, cooperation, and mutual assistance among its members. KASD is committed to both technically and economically advancing the footwear industry and increasing its international competitiveness, aiming to embrace not only its members but the entire sector.

Konya, synonymous with shoe production and trade, began as a traditional manufacturing center. Today, it has become one of Turkey’s major footwear production hubs, combining its deep-rooted artisan tradition with the power of production enhanced by modern manufacturing tools. The city has grasped the importance of sustainable competition and maintaining a strong presence in global markets through consistent growth in exports. As a result of this progress, the Konya Shoe Fashion Fair, which was previously held in Konya but had been paused for a time, was relaunched in 2023 with the collaboration of the Konya Shoe Manufacturers Association, the Konya Shoemakers’ Chamber, and with the support of the Konya Chamber of Commerce, the Konya Chamber of Industry, and the Konya Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen. We are pleased to once again hold the thirtieth edition of the shoe fair and the second edition under the name MasterShoes Konya Shoe & Bag Fashion Fair, which has attracted significant participation. Our fair will open its doors to visitors at the Konya Tüyap International Fair Center from October 16-19, 2024. On this occasion, we will have another opportunity to showcase the strength and potential of our sector to the world.

By analyzing the needs of the sector, especially the need for skilled labor, green transformation, digitalization, R&D, and design, we are developing joint projects for the growth of the industry in collaboration with Konya Selçuk University, Konya Technical University, Karatay Aykent Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and our chambers. We offer job guarantees and scholarship opportunities to students who choose our schools in the fields of shoe design and production.

As KASD, we will continue working with all our stakeholders to make Konya an international hub for shoe production, capable of producing high value-added products, and to best prepare our sector for the future.

KEMAL ÖZARPA

KONYA FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Chairman of the Board