Odisha invites European nations to partner in Make in Odisha Conclave

Bhubaneswar: In the run-up to Make in Odisha 2018, the Odisha government on Thursday held a roundtable meeting with trade consulates representing several European countries and made a conscious effort to highlight the investment opportunities in the vibrant business ecosystem of Odisha.

The state government delegation, led by Industries secretary Sanjeev Chopra briefed the trade consulates from six European countries about ‘Vision 2025’ of Government of Odisha that focuses on diversifying the industrial development in the state while setting a target of generating employment for 30 lakh citizens by attracting investments worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore in the focus sectors.

The focus sectors include Ancillary and Downstream in the metal sector; Chemicals, Plastics and Petrochemicals; Electronics Manufacturing and IT; Agro & Seafood Processing; Tourism; Textiles and Apparel.

Addressing the senior officials of various trade consulates and embassies, Sanjeev Chopra said, “Owing to the proactive and progressive governance, the State of Odisha is fast emerging as the manufacturing hub of Eastern India. Under the able leadership of our Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, we are on a steady path of progress, growing at a rate higher than the national average.”

“Odisha’s business-friendly policies and the development of world-class infrastructure have received very positive feedback from investors across the globe,” he added.

He said over the last 3 years, the State Government has embarked upon the implementation of a Business Reforms Program to make it easier for companies to set up and operate in the state, following which Odisha has been recognized by the Central Government as a ‘Leader’ in terms of implementation of business reforms.”

Chopra also presented some of the advantages of doing business in Odisha that include able and stable government, identified focus sectors based on competitive strengths, infrastructure led industrial development, resource-rich coastal state, highly skilled technical manpower, first of its kind single window portal in the country – GOSWIFT, low cost of doing business, dedicated sector specific clusters, 100,000 acres of industrial land bank mapped through first of its kind GIS-based platform and a great place to live and to do business.

Following the meeting with trade consulates, Odisha government will be inviting several countries from the European Union to participate in the Make in OdishaConclave as partner countries. The second edition of the flagship Investors Meet of the State Government will be organized during November 11-15, 2018.

This follows the success of the first edition of the conclave, held in 2016, which saw the state receive investment intent of Rs 2,03,270 crore across ten diversified sectors.