Working Meeting on the Development of Belarus’ Leather and Footwear Industry Held in Minsk

More than 35 representatives of the Bellegprom concern, leather and leather goods manufacturers, as well as financial institutions, took part in a working meeting to shape a Strategic Plan for the Development of the Leather and Footwear Industry in Belarus through to 2030.

August 11, 2025

Three professionals seated at a conference table with logos in the background. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Belarusian State Concern for the Production and Sale of Light Industry Goods (Bellegprom), held a working meeting to shape the Strategic Plan for the Development of Belarus’s Leather and Footwear Industry until 2030. The event brought together more than 35 key stakeholders, including industry executives and technologists, supply chain and marketing specialists, alongside banking sector representatives.

During the meeting, participants discussed the current state of the industry and the key challenges affecting the entire production and sales cycle of the leather and footwear sector. Issues raised included the supply of raw materials, overcoming technological barriers, improving positioning and sales strategies, sector regulation and organisation, and measures to protect the domestic market.

Two professionals discussing paperwork at a conference table, focused and engaged.

A man in a suit sits at a conference table, reading from a document.

A woman and two men engaged in a discussion at a round table, with papers and glasses.

The footwear sector accounts for 10% of Belarus’s light industry output and plays a crucial role in job creation, export growth, and the promotion of sustainable consumption and production models. However, like many light industries worldwide, it faces mounting pressures — from technological disruption to evolving consumer preferences and shifts in global trade.

In 2023, Belarusian leather and footwear enterprises produced around 7 million pairs of shoes — a decline of more than 60% compared with 2010. This downward trend has made systemic reform essential for the sector’s continued growth.

"The future depends on how well the industry adapts to new challenges and opportunities", said Renfei Liu, Resident Representative of UNDP in Belarus, in her welcoming address. “Transformation of this scale requires shared responsibility, strong coordination, and alignment with both national strategies and international trends."

A woman with black hair and glasses sits at a conference table, looking thoughtful. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

According to Ms Liu, three key factors could drive sustainable growth of Belarus' leather and foot wear industry:

Innovation, digitalisation, and waste reduction: Implementing circular economy principles and gradually transitioning to advanced technologies will enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.

Investment in professional skills: Ongoing upskilling and training in modern technologies will help businesses keep pace with sustainable production and digital transformation.

Inclusion: Addressing the needs of people with disabilities will not only benefit society but also open new market opportunities.

As part of its collaboration with Bellegprom, UNDP will provide support in developing a comprehensive strategic plan and roadmap for the leather and footwear sector. The document will outline measures for introducing innovative technologies, modernising equipment, automating production and implementing efficient waste management solutions. Special attention will be paid to marketing strategies to strengthen the industry’s position in both domestic and international markets.

Two women engaged in discussion at a conference table with papers and pens. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

A middle-aged man in a blue blazer gestures while discussing at a round table meeting.

Social inclusion will form a key part of the strategy. In partnership with Bellegprom, UNDP has launched a pilot initiative to develop adaptive clothing for wheelchair users. The initiative aims to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities while exploring new market niches, aligning social and economic goals.

Group of people engaged in discussion at a conference table, with a projector in the background. — Photo: UNDP Belarus

The Strategic Plan will serve as a systemic response to the industry’s challenges and make a significant contribution to the implementation of Belarus’ National Sustainable Development Strategy through to 2040. The plan will support technological modernisation, advanced raw material processing, intersectoral cooperation, and the adoption of resource-efficient and circular business models.

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