Stages

Key Events

Budding Stage

(From late 1970s to around 1984)

1982, A factory in Jinjiang began to make shoes for Nike.

The establishment of the first private footwear factory in 1984.

Gathering of Enterprises Stage (From around 1984 to around 1990)

Factories began to use shoe making machines.

The first importation of advanced foreign shoe making machines in 1988.

In 1989, with over 200 companies, Chendai became a specialized shoe making town. Foreign buyers established offices in Jinjiang.

Expansion and upgrading of the footwear industry in Chendai.

Industrial Clustering Stage (Around 1990 to around 2000)

The establishment of the Chendai Chamber of Commerce in 1992.

Specialized firms in the footwear industry emerged and gathered in Jinjiang.

Internationalization of Chendai footwear enterprises.

Chendai began to produce leather shoes in 1995.

The first Jinjiang Footwear Industry Exposition was held in 1999.

Branding Stage

(Around 2000 to around 2006)

In 2000, Anta began the push to establish its own brand. The initiative was followed by other footwear companies.

The Jinjiang footwear industrial cluster began to popularize its collective brand internationally.

Mature Stage

(Around 2007 to pre-COVID)

Several Jinjiang footwear companies were listed on the stock exchange of Hong Kong area and Singapore.

A movement of management reforms in private enterprises in China.

The Jinjiang Footwear Expo has become a major international exhibition.

The industry cluster has over 3000 companies in all areas of shoemaking.