CM Invites Korean Industries To Invest In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday invited Korean industries to invest in Odisha.

Welcoming the ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Shin Bong-kil, and a nine-member business delegation at Lok Seva Bhawan here, the CM said there were significant opportunities for both Korea and Odisha to strengthen trade, investment and tourism ties.

The CM highlighted Odisha’s six focus sectors — electronics manufacturing, petroleum, chemicals and petro-chemicals, textiles, tourism and downstream to metal and food processing — and said the state would facilitate growth in these industries by providing a conducive business environment, industry-ready infrastructure and skilled workforce.

Appreciating the keenness of the Korean delegation in investing in various sectors in Odisha, he said Korea and Odisha have many possibilities to collaborate across identified focus sectors. “The state would soon promulgate a strategy document Vision-2030 with the aim to ensure 50 per cent of the primary metals produced in Odisha would add value within the state,” he added.

The Korean ambassador lauded the CM’s vision and his government’s keenness for investment and industrialisation. The envoy said there is a strong possibility of investment in various sectors including agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and services.

Terming the scrapping of the proposed mega steel project by steel major Posco as a bitter experience, he said the chapter was now closed. “The time has come for us to move ahead with the exploration of new business possibilities in Odisha,” he added.

Skill Development Authority Chairman Subrato Bagchi spoke on the advantages that Odisha offers in skilled manpower. He said Odisha was setting up a $200 million world skill centre. It would provide skill training to 1.5 lakh persons in eight streams.

Industries secretary Hemant Sharma gave the welcome address. Before the meeting with the CM, a presentation on the business opportunities in Odisha was shown to the visiting delegation in the Korean language.

Among others, Industries, MSME and Energy Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, Development Commissioner and other senior government officials were present.