Common strategy requires for dev of eastern states: Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: Development of the country can be possible only when the eastern states, including Odisha, find a prominent place in the growth story, said Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A common strategy for growth of all five eastern states is required for the development of the entire region, which have housed 80 percent reserve of coal, iron, bauxite and a long coastline and a skilled workforce, Pradhan said at the valedictory ceremony of Enterprise Odisha 2015 here on Tuesday.

According to him, emphasis on the development of downstream will lead to significant job generation.

Pradhan also talked about Odisha’s growing reputation as an attractive investment destination, saying if Odisha organises itself properly, it will find a prominent place in the world market.

According to him, the beautiful handicrafts made in Odisha can hit the global market instantaneously through e-commerce.

Pradhan heaped praises on CII for organising Enterprise Odisha 2015, saying a platform like this is a huge boost for the industry in the state. He also suggested that CII draw a plan of action for Odisha and share it with him.

Nalco CMD T K Chand said the aluminium major which procures more than 400 crores worth of goods and services from MSMEs, will soon come out with a new MSME procurement policy focusing on Odisha.

He also said Nalco in partnership with IDCO plans to set up an Aluminum Park over 450 acres at Angul.

Earlier in his welcome address, D S R Ravindra Raju, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, described Enterprise Odisha 2015 as a platform designed to promote the state in the industrial space.

“With all major corporate houses and government institutions lending support and taking part, Enterprise Odisha has evolved into one of the biggest industrial shows in the state,” he said.

“Industry in the eastern part of the country has shown great potential. There is a need to explore opportunities in the region further with special emphasis on the downstream. We believe that there is a need to strengthen the entire support structure – relating to mentoring, financing, quality standards, marketing inputs and technology acquisition for the industry of the region,” Raju added.

“Since Enterprise Odisha 2015 has a special focus on MSMEs, we firmly believe that MSMEs contribute significantly to the growth and development of the economy and generate a large number of jobs,” he said.

Sanjay Pattnaik, Vice Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, delivered the Vote of Thanks.

With all major corporate houses and government institutions lending support and taking part, Enterprise Odisha is regarded as the largest industrial shows.

The Odisha government is the partner in this initiative. The theme of the event was “Build Odisha – Invest in Development”.