Pradhan, Naveen discuss Japanese investment in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Japan Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki on Thursday met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and discussed the development of steel clusters in Odisha.

They also discussed the prospects of Japanese investment in the steel sector and downstream development in Odisha.

“Japanese investments and technology flow into Odisha will strengthen steel sector, generate large scale employment and create win-win situation for all stakeholders,” said Pradhan.

The CM urged Japan Ambassador to consider be the country partner for Make In Odisha Conclave 2020, once again.

Japan was the country partner for Make In Odisha Conclave 2018.

He also made an offer for an exclusive Japan Industrial cluster and township near Bhubaneswar for which the state govt would provide all the necessary facilitation.

Rasika Chaubey, Addl Secretary to Union Steel Ministry, gave a presentation about the new initiative called Purvodaya, which aims to drive accelerated development of Eastern India through the establishment of integrated steel hubs in Eastern states of India for which Odisha has the best potential.

This Eastern belt has the potential to add more than 75% of the country’s incremental steel capacity envisioned by the National Steel Policy.

It is expected that out of the 300 MT capacity by 2030-31, over 200 MT can come from this region alone.

“Mission Purvodaya in the steel sector envisions creating an integrated steel hub in Eastern India. With abundance of raw material, strategic location and strong and developing connectivity, Odisha is well-poised to be the heart of this eastern steel hub,” said Pradhan.

“In Odisha, Kalinganagar will be developed as the epicentre of Mission Purvodaya. Working together with the Odisha Govt, central ministries and industry, we aim to make Kalinganagar a vibrant hotspot of global steel industry,” he added.