Stunningly high and very elegant, a true object of desire for every woman: this describes just some of the Italian footwear models that will be on display in Kazakhstan at the independent exhibition that will be held in Almaty from 11 to 13 April, organised in collaboration with ANCI, the National Association of Italian Footwear Manufacturers.

The aim is to continue the promotional work that began just a few years ago in the Kazakh market and those of the other Central Asian republics. The agenda also includes organising delegations of Kazakh, Tajik, Kyrgyz and Uzbek operators to Micam, the leading international footwear exhibition that is held every six months in Milan. There is already consolidated interest for Italian footwear in the Kazakh market, where it occupies a leading position in the medium-high range sales bracket, but the Italian companies operating there aim to do more and show all the quality and style of which they are capable.

The best of the forthcoming autumn and winter collections will take to the catwalk in the prestigious setting of the Dom Priemov building, the exhibition venue, including boots, elegant and comfortable footwear, stunningly high heels for a leaner look or much flatter ones to make daily movement as comfortable as possible. There are also shoes for men (dress, sports and leisure) and for children. In short, no aspect will be overlooked, not even household wear, for which slippers are a necessary item.

All this will be presented to the visitors, who can look around, try the shoes on and even match them with bags and other leather goods. The companies participating in Almaty will also include some from the leather goods sector, to complete the exhibition and broaden its scope.

Overall exports of Italian footwear to the Kazakh market increased by 38.1% in 2011 compared to 2010. The Italian regions most interested in trading relations with this country include Emilia Romagna, Marche, Lombardy and Veneto, which will be represented, together with their companies, at the Almaty independent footwear show to strengthen their market presence and become known and appreciated by new investors.

The event, now in its 16th year, has always produced excellent overall results, both for Italian businesses as well as for local ones. The latest edition, the first in 2012, is essentially expected to provide confirmation (of the interest in Italian-made footwear and recognition of its undisputed quality) as well as an occasion for important new business results. The Almaty independent footwear show will in fact be an occasion for taking stock of existing relationships as well as for meeting new investors and widening the market horizon to include the neighbouring countries. The shoes, with their elegance and quality, will provide an exceptional backdrop to the meetings.