Oil Minister requests investors to explore opportunities in Paradip, Dhamra

Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday requested the investors to explore opportunities in Odisha.

He requested them to explore opportunities for investments in Paradip and Dhamra and suggested to plan for a Pipeline Park near the Chandikhol region to boost industrial activity.

Addressing the 19th National Conference on Corrosion Control here, he invited the investors to become active partners to make Paradip a hub of world-class infrastructure and business ecosystem.

Development of the Paradip region itself will create more than 20000 direct employment opportunities, he added.

The Minister also informed that some entities have shown interest to set up pipeline coating manufacturing and Hose manufacturing plants in Paradip.

“If the Odisha government helps in providing land like Gujarat has done in Kutch area, it will boost manufacturing in Odisha,” the Minister said.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly believes that without developing the Eastern region, we can not achieve our dream of a developed & prosperous India. Odisha is the gateway of Eastern India. In the next few years, Paradip port may even become the highest cargo handling port,” he said.

“Our government in last 4.5 years is expanding oil and gas pipeline network in Odisha to further fuel economic growth and provide clean fuel to residents of the state. Enhanced pipeline network will boost industries in Odisha and help in the overall economic growth,” said Pradhan.

He hoped that this conference will come up with scientific innovation to boost sustainable infrastructure and economic growth, which will not only cater to the needs of India but will also bolster economic relations with neighbouring countries.