Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday called upon industrialists and investors to be a partner in Odisha’s phenomenal growth story and build new relationships.
Addressing the top industry leaders at Investors’ Meet in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said Odisha is one of the fastest growing economies in India and has consistently grown above the national average in the last decade and a half. It was a curtain raiser event for Make in Odisha Conclave ’22, slated to be held in Bhubhaneshwar from November 30 to December 4
“We are fast emerging as a major industrial destination in India because of our natural resource advantage and strategic location. Odisha’s abundant natural resources, skilled and productive human resources, progressive policies, and strong result-oriented governance provide a unique ecosystem. Today, Odisha is ranked among the top states in India in terms of live manufacturing investments and has been accorded the achievers status in the recently released ease of doing business ratings by the Government of India,” he said.
He further said, “The Make in Odisha Conclave’22 with Business Leadership Talks, Sectoral Sessions, Start-up Session, and Women Entrepreneurship Sessions, along with Cultural Programs offers an array of action spread over 5 days for investors and the public.”
Speaking on start-ups, he spoke about the establishment of O-Hub and Odisha Innovation Fund, “We have established Odisha Start-up Hub (O-Hub) in Bhubaneswar to provide a world-class incubation and co-working facility to state-based Startups. We have also set up the Odisha Youth Innovation Fund to support grassroots innovations, which are essentially technological solutions and the development of successful business models by youths in different sectors.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the states’ two decades of stable governance, its position in the Ease of doing Business ranking, competitive cost of doing business, the impact of investment facilitation, best-in-class incentives, and highly skilled human resources, which helped the state achieve a distinct competitive advantage over others.
Extending an invitation to the dignitaries, Naveen said, “I would request all the dignitaries and Industry leaders present here to kindly participate in Make in Odisha Conclave ’22 and be a partner in this transformational journey of Odisha.”
“MIO ’22 aims to provide a platform for industry leaders from across the world to discuss a roadmap for industrial development in the coming years. An humble beginning was made in 2016, which saw a footfall of 18,500 and received over 120 investment intents valued at over Rs 2 lakh crore. In 2018, we hosted the 2nd edition which raised the bar even higher, receiving an influx of 45,000 visitors, and investments worth over Rs 4 lakh crore,” he said.
Odisha, in collaboration with FICCI, the National Industry Partner for Make in Odisha Conclave-22, hosted the Odisha Investors’ Meet. About 40 Government to Business meetings with participation by 350 delegates were held during the event.
Industries, MSME & Energy Minister Pratap Keshari Deb; Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra; Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Skill Development & Technical Education and Chairman-IDCO and Chairman-IPICOL; Manoj Mishra, Secretary, Electronics & IT Department and Dr Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Start-Up Odisha also spoke.
Among others, Arun Chawla, Director General, FICCI and senior officials from the industries Department & IPICOL were present.