Odisha seeks greater cooperation from US in industries, climate change

Biswal assures exploring options to improve economic engagements between Odisha and US

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday met US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal and sought for better collaboration with the US in climate change and industries sector.

The Chief Minister said that Odisha is one of the first states in the country to prepare State Action Plan on climate change in a participative process in 2010.

The plan aims to reduce the vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity.

The Chief Minister wanted to explore a partnership between Odisha and USA in various adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change.

The Chief Minister also sought for deeper cooperation in the industries sector with the US.

He said that the state has the vision to increase manufacturing growth by 15 percent by 2019 by attracting new investments to the tune of Rs.1.73 lakh crores and additional employment to 3.30 lakh persons.

The CM also described the state’s industrial policy, reforms measures and industrial infrastructure in Odisha.

The Chief Minister wanted greater cooperation from the US for investments in manufacturing units in identified focus sectors, large scale industrial and social infrastructure, smart industrial complexes, R&D facilities and technical cooperation.

Informing that she was here to explore the opportunities in Odisha, Biswal said she was very happy to visit Odisha, and she and her children have a great interest in the culture and heritage of Odisha.

Biswal appreciated the efforts of Odisha government in strengthening preparedness and improving resilience for disaster management.

She lauded the state for effectively managing cyclones in Odisha.

She also said that the Odisha experience in managing disasters is a good lesson for other countries.

Talking about the industrial and economic cooperation between Odisha and US, she said the US intends to boost better trade ties in South Asia and South-East Asia.

As Odisha is strategically located in South Asia, she would like to explore various options on how to improve economic engagements between Odisha and US.