New Delhi: Hajipur, a city in Bihar, has earned international acclaim for its thriving footwear industry. Recently, the Russian army placed significant orders for military boots from Competence Exports, a local company.Meeting demands of the Russian military Competence Exports, based in Hajipur, has been crafting specialized military boots for Russian forces. As the Russian military continues its operations in Ukraine, the demand for these boots has surged. However, the company is not just focusing on military footwear it plans to expand into the designer shoe market for Europe and other global regions.Bihars footprint in global marketsAccording to Shib Kumar Roy, the companys manager, Competence Exports was established in 2018 with the goal of providing employment to local youth. The firm initially produced safety shoes for Russia but now aims to broaden its operations to domestic and European markets.Our shoes are slip-resistant, lightweight, and can withstand extreme cold temperatures up to -40 degrees Celsius, Roy explained. These features have made the boots highly popular among Russian military personnel.A record year for exportsIn 2023 alone, Competence Exports shipped at least 1.5 million pairs of boots to the Russian army, making it one of the largest exporters of military footwear to Russia. The companys success is a testament to the high quality and durability of its products, which are designed to meet the stringent requirements of their military customers.Future prospectsWith plans to enter the designer shoe market, Competence Exports is poised to further enhance its global footprint. The companys commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive its growth, positioning Hajipur as a significant player in the international footwear industry.
