Promoting the Made in India Campaign in full swing, a Hajipur, Bihar-based company, Competence Exports has been manufacturing safety shoes and fashion footwear for the Russian Army and European markets respectively. Know all about them…
New Delhi: The current government, which has been in power for the last ten years, has started and promoted several initiatives, that have boosted the Indian economy and have also promoted the work done by Indians – the biggest example being the ‘Made in India Campaign’, which as the name suggests, promotes goods made in India to boost the sales of the craftsmen of the country. Taking this initiative of the government one step forward, an exports company based out of Hajipur, Bihar manufactures safety shoes and designer shoes to the Russian Army and the European Markets. Know all about this ‘Made in Bihar’ Campaign, the company Competence Exports and how do they work…
Hajipur-Based Company Exports Footwear To Russian Army
As mentioned earlier, Hajipur, the second-fastest-developing city next to Patna in Bihar, is establishing a name for itself overseas by manufacturing footwear such as safety shoes for the Russian army and designer shoes catering to European markets. Hajipur-based Competence Exports, a private limited company, makes safety shoes for companies based in Russia.
‘Main Interest To Generate Local Employment’
Speaking about the facility, General Manager Shib Kumar Roy told ANI, “We started the Hajipur facility in 2018, and the main interest is to generate local employment. At Hajipur, we make safety shoes that are meant to be exported to Russia. Total exports are for Russia, and we are also slowly working on Europe and will launch in the domestic market soon.” Talking about the employment aspect, Roy said, “The ambition of the company’s MD, Danesh Prasad, is to make a world-class factory in Bihar and contribute to state employment. We are trying our best to give maximum employment to employees, of which 70 percent are women out of 300 employees.”
What Are ‘Safety Shoes’ Worn By Russian Army?
Talking about safety shoe requirements for the Russian army, Roy said, “Their requirements are that shoes should be lightweight, slip-resistant, have special features in the sole, and withstand extreme weather conditions like -40 degrees Celsius. We manufacture the safety shoes, considering these conditions.” The response has been tremendous, and his company is one of the largest exporters to Russia. Expectations are that the numbers will expand day by day.
Competence Exports Luxury, Design Footwear To European Markets
The Hajipur facility also exports luxury designer or fashion shoes to European markets, namely Italy, France, Spain, and the UK. “Our aim is to develop high-end shoes for international brands. We recently started negotiations with a Belgian company as well,” said Mazhar Pallumiah, head of fashion development and marketing for the company. Pallumiah did note that initially, foreign companies had some reservations, but when they received the sample, they were assured. We are also expecting some companies to visit the factory next month, he said. “Starting the fashion industry is a challenge in Bihar and in Hajipur but with the vision of promoters and government support, we are confident to continue on this line,” he pointed out.
(Inputs from ANI)