Bihar Makes a Grand Entry and a Stellar Investment Pitch at IIFF 2026

On the closing day of the 10th edition of the India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, a valedictory session and awards ceremony took place. The event was graced by top officials from the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), including its Chairman Jawed Ashraf, alongside representatives from the Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI) and other prominent leaders of the leather and footwear sector.

A series of competitive awards were presented to recognise exceptional stall designs, thematic presentation, and trade participation, evaluated strictly across parameters such as product innovation, pavilion aesthetic, and footfall engagement. And although the awards were fairly given, a noticeable absence on the award floor was Bihar.

Probably the biggest highlight of IIFF 2026, Bihar Pavilion emphatically asserted state’s emergence as one of the most attractive investment destinations for the leather and footwear sector, offering ease of doing business alongside a safe and secure environment. Throughout the trade fair, the state brilliantly and successfully showcased it’s pro-investment industrial policies and incentives, aimed squarely at driving private sector investment into its burgeoning leather and footwear ecosystem.

Despite finding space in a corner of one of the two exhibition halls hosting IIFF 2026, the pavilion proved to be the standout star campaigner at the event, rapidly becoming a major attraction for industry leaders, prospective investors, and international trade delegates alike. Visitors from neighbouring nations, particularly Nepal and Bangladesh, among others, demonstrated immense interest in what Bihar had to offer.

The Department of Industries, led by it’s young Minister Shreyasi Singh, Secretary Kundan Kumar, and other key state Government officials, conducted a packed and exciting session making a compelling pitch for investors to join Bihar’s long-term growth trajectory. And while Singh made a fervent pitch for the new and rising Bihar, Kumar successfully highlighted the state’s unmatched, highly subsidised land policy and investment related incentives, alongside modern infrastructure developments across its expanding road and highway networks.

What also stood out was the manner in which the young and dynamic state team collectively created the investor-friendly vibes, offering not only attractive incentives and friendly policies but a compelling narrative of a rising Bihar, like the Resident & Investment Commissioner, Manoj Kumar Singh’s fervent appeal to discover Bihar firsthand through “eyes and not ears.”

Having witnessed state representations across countless trade shows, Bihar’s presence, preparation and pitch at IIFF 2026 was impressive to say the least and also elicited keen response from some of the champion companies from the sector.

Adding to this momentum was the testimony of existing entrepreneurs, who served as effective brand ambassadors for the state by detailing their firsthand experience with Bihar’s ease of doing business.

Danesh Prasad, Managing Director of Competence Exports Private Limited, was among the prominent voices vouching for Bihar as a prime investment hub. His company operates a major footwear manufacturing facility in Hajipur and recently secured a prestigious contract to supply military-grade safety shoes to the Russian armed forces. Prasad’s pioneering efforts have significantly enhanced Hajipur’s credentials as an international manufacturing destination.

Furthermore, state also announced fresh investments worth ₹125 crore in Bihar’s footwear sector - comprising ₹100 crore from Lehar Footwear Pvt. Ltd. and ₹25 crore from Patna Leather Garments.

Given this aggressive outreach and the sheer scale and engagement of the state’s participation and representation, the effort deserved some recognition. Recognising emerging states creates healthy competition among other investment seeking states and also nudges traditional heavyweights to do more.