CII pulls out of Make in Odisha Conclave 2018; govt terms ‘disappointing’

Bhubaneswar: In a major setback for the state government, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has pulled out of ‘Make in Odisha Conclave 2018’ as the industry partner.

The CII said it cannot partner for the conclave in view of prior engagements during the proposed dates of the conclave.

In a related development, CII Odisha chapter chairman Arun Misra and its vice chairman Subrat Tripathy tendered their resignations.

The state government has proposed to organise the biennial conclave for investments from November 11-15 this year.

The state government termed the move of CII not to partner for the Make in Odisha conclave ‘disappointing’.

“On April 4, 2018, CII, represented by Chairman, CII State Council, has informed the industries department regarding its inability to partner for the conclave in view of prior engagements during the proposed dates of the conclave. The response of CII is particularly disappointing keeping in view the fact that in 2015, the Odisha government designated CII as the Industry Partner for all investment promotion activities”, said a government release.

The state government has been engaging with various stakeholders including CII to discuss the modalities of organizing the event, said the release.

In February 2018, CII has shared draft conditions of partnership and a list of proposed CII coordinators for various committees to organize the various events as well as the proposed budget.

CII has been working until recently with the state government officials towards planning for the event, it added.

The government said it remains committed towards the successful organization of Make in Odisha conclave 2018 in coordination with various stakeholders.

“The investment promotion efforts of the state are focused towards sustainable industrial growth leading to increased employment opportunities and all-round development. In order to realise this vision, the state government remains committed towards the successful organization of the Make in Odisha Conclave 2018 in coordination with various stakeholders and is taking up necessary measures towards the same,” said the government.

The Odisha government successfully organized Make in Odisha Conclave 2016 during November 30- December 02, 2016 in partnership with the CII.

A total of 124 investment intents worth over Rs 3.64 lakh crore were received during the investor meets leading up to the Conclave in 2016.

At present, more than 60% of these proposals are at various stages of approval/implementation.

During the valedictory ceremony of the conclave, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that the Conclave shall be organized biennially.

On November 16, 2017, the Chief Minister announced that the second edition of the Conclave will be organized during November 11-15, 2018 at Bhubaneswar.

Invitations have also been sent to various industry leaders to grace the occasion. The preparatory activities are being overseen by a committee constituted under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary with members from concerned Departments.