Punjab Eyes Global Markets with New FDDI Collaboration
-Punjab Signs MoU with FDDI to Boost Sports Goods and Footwear Industry
Chandigarh, June 16
In a significant move to strengthen Punjab’s industrial ecosystem, the Punjab Industries and Commerce Department has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), a premier institution of national importance under the Government of India. The partnership aims to enhance the state’s sports goods, footwear, and leather manufacturing sectors through innovation, skill development, quality assurance, and global market integration.
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora described the agreement as a landmark step towards transforming Punjab’s traditional industries into technology-driven and globally competitive sectors.
“Our objective is to equip the industry with modern testing infrastructure, skilled manpower, design and innovation support, and stronger market linkages. This collaboration will help Punjab’s MSMEs become part of national and international supply chains while expanding their export footprint,” said the Minister.
A key feature of the partnership is the proposed establishment of a Sports Goods Testing and Development Laboratory in Jalandhar, one of India’s leading hubs for sports equipment manufacturing. In addition, Footwear and Accessories Testing Sample Collection Centres will be set up across Punjab, enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access professional quality-testing and certification services closer to their manufacturing units.
Aman Arora further stated that the MoU also envisages the creation of a Centre of Excellence and a comprehensive skill development framework that will bring together industry leaders, academic institutions, startups, and technical experts. Specialized training programs will focus on emerging fields such as product design, innovation, quality assurance, retail management, and fashion accessories.
The initiative is expected to help manufacturers reduce product development timelines, meet the technical requirements of leading global brands, and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
The collaboration will also encourage entrepreneurship, startup incubation, research partnerships, and expert exchange programs, paving the way for higher-value, innovation-led manufacturing. It aims to address long-standing challenges related to testing facilities, skilled workforce availability, and market readiness that have impacted Punjab’s traditional industrial clusters.
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The MoU was signed by Director Industries & Commerce Jaspreet Singh and FDDI Managing Director Vivek Sharma in the presence of Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka.
Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, said the partnership would promote technology adoption and capacity building under various central and state government schemes. He added that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to helping local enterprises align with evolving consumer demands and international market standards while creating new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs in the sports goods and footwear sectors.
The partnership is expected to provide a major boost to Punjab’s industrial growth, employment generation, skill development, and export potential, further strengthening the state’s position as a leading manufacturing hub in India.
