Patna: Bihar is exploring fresh investment opportunities in the leather and footwear sector as the state government seeks to develop a stronger manufacturing ecosystem around the Mega Leather, Footwear & Accessories Park at Mahwal in Muzaffarpur.
The Department of Industries organised a roundtable discussion on September 22 following a visit by an industry delegation to the park. Representatives from the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) and leading companies participated in the discussions.
The meeting was chaired by Industries Minister Shreyasi Singh.
Government Highlights Industrial Infrastructure Push
Addressing the meeting, Singh said Bihar was witnessing industrial development across areas including roads, industrial infrastructure, power supply and the investment approval system.
She highlighted the Mahwal park as an opportunity to develop a manufacturing ecosystem and generate employment in the state.
The minister also emphasised the role of the state’s industrial infrastructure and policy environment in attracting investments to Bihar.
Industries Department Seeks Direct Industry Feedback
Industries Department Secretary Kundan Kumar, IAS, said Bihar was strengthening the infrastructure and policy ecosystem required for large-scale manufacturing.
He said the Mahwal park provides dedicated industrial space and an opportunity to develop an integrated leather and footwear ecosystem.
The department is engaging directly with industry representatives to understand their requirements and facilitate potential investments in the state, according to the Industries Department.
FDDI Explores Collaboration in Skilling and Training
FDDI Managing Director Vivek Sharma (IRS) said the delegation was impressed by the scale and quality of the industrial infrastructure being developed in Bihar.
He highlighted the availability of industrial land and the potential to establish a complete footwear manufacturing ecosystem at Mahwal.
FDDI also expressed interest in exploring deeper collaboration with Bihar in areas including skilling, training and industry development.
IFCOMA Sees Potential for Footwear Manufacturing Hub
IFCOMA President Sanjay Gupta said the infrastructure at Mahwal provided a positive understanding of the opportunities available in Bihar.
He said the state has the potential to develop as a manufacturing hub for footwear and its components, while expressing interest in exploring investment and expansion opportunities.
The association indicated that it would continue discussions with the state government on taking the engagement forward.
Leading Footwear Companies Join Roundtable
The roundtable brought together representatives from several major companies and industry organisations.
Companies including Reliance, Bata, Aqualite Footwear, Abros Shoes, Asian Shoes, ABC Leathers, Competence Exports and Soleworks Footwear, among others, participated in the discussion.
Senior officials attending the meeting included BIADA Managing Director Naveen Kumar, Director Industries Mukul Kumar Gupta and Joint Secretary Khandekar Shrikant Kundalik, along with senior representatives from FDDI, IFCOMA and the Industries Department.
Manufacturing, Skilled Workforce and Supply Chain Discussed
The discussions covered several areas considered important for developing the leather and footwear sector in Bihar.
These included manufacturing opportunities, availability of skilled manpower, supply-chain development, industrial infrastructure and expansion possibilities.
The delegation also expressed a positive response to the infrastructure available at the Mega Leather, Footwear & Accessories Park and indicated interest in exploring further investment opportunities.
Mahwal Park Positioned as Potential Manufacturing Base
The Industries Department is seeking to use the Mahwal park as a foundation for developing a more integrated leather and footwear manufacturing ecosystem in Bihar.
With industry representatives, skilling institutions and government agencies involved in the discussions, the engagement is focused on identifying investment requirements and building supporting infrastructure and workforce capabilities.
Further discussions are expected to determine potential investment and expansion opportunities at the park.
