New CEC chairman

At the general assembly, held in Athens (Greece) on the May 23, 2003, Antonio Brotini, president of ANCI, was elected unanimously as chairman of the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC). In the next two years, Brotini will be responsible for the path taken by the main representative structure of the EU-footwear sector. From May 22-23, Greece (ELSEVIE) was the host to 23 European associations who participated in the debate concerning the future of one of the most important industries in Europe. The CEC thanked Fortunato Frederico of Appiccaps for his two year chairmanship of the Confederation, which followed French president Charles Etchandy. The World Footwear Congress held in Brussels in April 2003 and the introduction of one integrated footwear research and development project (CEC-made-shoe) in the 6th framework programme were key achievements during the Portuguese presidency. The new chairman, Brotini, supported by the general assembly, wants to continue the strategy of the past president. To improve the visibility of CEC, a new World Footwear Congress will be organised in Brussels in 2005. According to Brotini, the future of the industry depends on the reinforcement of the European concept as a synonym of prestige, good taste and of a modern, refined, differential cultural attitude. The Italian Presidency of CEC is more then symbolic. Italy, as an important manufacturer, wants to be united with all CEC members including those from the candidate countries to the EU (Russia, Ukraine, Morocco and Tunisia) in order to defend the European industry.