ANPIC connects suppliers with new markets

Government officials and business leaders highlighted innovation, industrial diversification, and the strengthening of domestic suppliers

On the opening day of the 68th Edition the trade show registered more than 3,000 attendees

Leon/Gto News

With a call to strengthen domestic supply chains, boost competitiveness, and expand commercial opportunities for businesses, the 68th Autumn-Winter 2026 edition of ANPIC, organized by APIMEX, officially opened at Poliforum Leon.

Running from October 21 to 23, the event brings together suppliers, manufacturers, brands, and buyers from both national and international markets across the leather-footwear, leather goods, textile-apparel, and furniture industries.

This edition features 22,000 square meters of exhibition space, over 800 booths, more than 200 brands, and participants from over 20 countries, with total attendance expected to top 8,000 visitors.

During the opening ceremony, Mauricio Ruiz Campos, president of APIMEX, delivered the main address, focusing on corporate collaboration, local supply development, and the expansion of footwear and component exports.

The opening gathered representatives from Municipal, State, and Federal government levels, as well as leaders from business organizations and participating industrial sectors. Key attendees included the Mayor of Leon; Claudia Cristina Villasenor Aguilar, Guanajuato Secretary of Economy, representing Governor Libia Dennise Garcia Munoz Ledo; and Segismundo Doguin Garay, representing the Federal Secretary of Economy.

Representing the State Government of Guanajuato, Secretary of Economy Claudia Cristina Villasenor Aguilar stressed the role of innovation and diversification in improving enterprise competitiveness. She noted the participation of 30 international companies at ANPIC and reported that 95 business units received government backing to establish new client networks.

“We want more companies equipped to operate internationally and consolidate their growth,” said Villasenor.

The Mayor of Leon acknowledged the industry’s history and the cross-sector collaboration driving its evolution. She emphasized that local businesses have successfully leveraged their capabilities into other sectors, including automotive and aerospace, while underlining the necessity of cross-industry synergy for the city’s economic development.

“You have demonstrated vision and a clear understanding of your direction, grounded in where we come from, where we stand today, and where we are heading. My recognition goes out to the entire industry, as the full value chain is represented right here,” said the Mayor.

She also highlighted the values of hard work, generosity, community spirit, and dedication displayed by those who have built the industry in Leon.

Segismundo Doguin Garay, head of the footwear, textile, and apparel sector at the federal Secretary of Economy, attending on behalf of Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, emphasized the imperative to fortify national suppliers, increase local content in manufactured goods, and lower reliance on imported materials.

“Mexico must not settle for merely consuming what other countries produce. We need to build our capacity to design, innovate, manufacture, and compete with high-value-added products,” he asserted.

The FFederal representative said that Plan Mexico outlines key measures to scale domestic production, attract foreign investment, and generate higher-quality employment. Furthermore, he noted the critical nature of public-private coordination to modernize micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) and integrate them into global supply chains.

Governor off Guanajuato Libia Dennise Garcia Munoz Ledo delivered a recorded message commending APIMEX’s long-standing track record and ANPIC’s role in linking local businesses with international buyers.

“It fills us with pride to host this major gathering. It unlocks opportunities, strengthens our local economy, and connects the talent of our workforce to global markets,” said Libia.

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