According to the group, the planned investments with European Union help are to be channelled above all into innovation, with €50 million above all going to explore new techniques, technologies and materials; internationalisation, with €70 million; and training, with €36 million.


Over the next decade the association aims to make the sector "the international benchmark ... for sophistication and creativity, boosting Portuguese exports based on a sustainable and highly competitive national productive base, founded on knowledge and innovation," its president, Manuel Carlos told journalists at the Micam trade fair in Milan.


Portugal has 93 companies represented at this year's Micam - a record number and the second-largest foreign delegation at the event.


The country's footwear industry exports more than 95% of production, to some 152 countries.