Odisha emerging as the fulcrum of trade and commerce in eastern India and the Bay of Bengal region: Naveen Patnaik
December 01, 2022
Chief Minister addresses a Special Session with FICCI National Members.
Bhubaneshwar, 01 December 2022: Addressing a special session with FICCI national
members, Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr Naveen Patnaik, yesterday noted
that the state is fast emerging as the fulcrum of trade, commerce, and
industrialisation in the eastern and the Bay of Bengal region. He encouraged
FICCI "to promote Odisha as a destination of choice for the investing
community."
The Chief Minister recognised the long
association between FICCI and the state government and said, "We have a strong
partnership and hope we build on the success of this partnership and continue to
work together towards bringing investment and prosperity to Odisha."
Mr Patnaik also recognised the entrepreneurship initiative by
FICCI Ladies Organisation and asked the chamber to work closely with Mission
Shakti to develop strategies for further strengthening the entrepreneurship
ecosystem at the grassroots.
On occasion, FICCI President-elect Mr
Subhrakant Panda noted various initiatives of the Odisha government had led
the state economy to mount a sharp post-pandemic recovery by clocking a GDP
growth of 10.1 per cent in 2021-22. He also alluded to a rise in investment
intent and grounding of investment in the state over the last few years. "With
the thrust on enabling infrastructure and a facilitative business environment,
the state has positioned itself as one of the most attractive investment
destinations in India," he added.
Mr Panda underscored the state government's focus on several
new and innovative sectors, such as electric vehicles and battery components,
manufacturing, green energy, including hydrogen and ammonia, and
pharmaceuticals, to name a few. "As India marches towards becoming a $5
trillion economy, there is tremendous potential for Odisha to become a
manufacturing powerhouse and gateway to the ASEAN nations," he said.
The event was organised along the side-lines of the Make in Odisha
inaugural. FICCI's Past Presidents, Mr Harshpati Singhania, Mr
Harshvardhan Neotia, Mr Sandip Somany and FICCI DG, Mr Arun
Chawla, also spoke on occasion.