Vaishali, July 15

As the Russian army continues its operation in Ukraine, the soldiers march on using ‘Made in Bihar’ boots manufactured in Hajipur.

Bihar’s Hajipur city, known for its agricultural production, is writing its own story by manufacturing safety shoes for the Russian army, which has an acclaimed international presence.

Hajipur-based Competence Exports, a private limited company, makes safety shoes for companies based in Russia and designer shoes catering to European markets.

Speaking about the facility, general manager Shib Kumar Roy said: “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. The entire exports are for Russia and we are also slowly working on Europe and will launch in the domestic market soon.”

Roy added that the Bihar Government had promoted and supported industries but it still needed improvement in infrastructure like roads and better communication so that buyers from Russia could communicate easily. “Our aim is to develop high-end shoes for international brands,” said Mazhar Pallumiah, head of marketing for the company.