Hajipur, positioned as the second most rapidly developing city after Patna in Bihar, is gaining international recognition through its production of footwear, including safety shoes for the Russian military and designer footwear for European markets.
Competence Exports, headquartered in Hajipur, is a private limited company specializing in the manufacture of safety shoes for Russian firms.
General Manager Shib Kumar Roy highlighted the objectives of the Hajipur facility, emphasizing its establishment in 2018 with the primary goal of creating local employment opportunities. The facility specializes in manufacturing safety shoes, primarily intended for export to Russia. Currently, all exports are directed to Russia, with plans to expand gradually into the European market, while also intending to introduce the products to the domestic market in the near future.
Roy highlighted the specific requirements for safety shoes tailored for the Russian army, emphasizing the need for lightweight, slip-resistant footwear with specialized features in the sole to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. His company manufactures safety shoes with these specifications in mind, resulting in a tremendous response from the market. As a result, his company has become one of the largest exporters to Russia, with expectations of further growth in export numbers in the future.
Roy highlighted the employment initiatives of the company, aiming to establish a world-class factory in Bihar and contribute to state employment, with a significant portion of their workforce being women.
The company exported 1.5 million pairs of shoes last year, worth ₹100 crores, and aims for a 50 percent increase next year. Infrastructure improvements, such as roads and communication, are needed for better connectivity with international buyers, particularly from Russia. Additionally, there’s a call for a training institute to ensure a skilled workforce. The facility in Hajipur exports luxury designer shoes to European markets and is in negotiations with a Belgian company. Despite initial reservations, foreign companies are showing interest, with some expected to visit the factory soon. Despite challenges, there’s confidence in the vision of promoters and government support for the fashion industry in Bihar and Hajipur.
