Odisha ranked among top States in investments: CM Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the State Government is focusing on development of industrial infrastructure in relatively less industrialised districts in line with ‘Vision 2025’ which envisions 30 lakh jobs and fresh investments of around `2.5 lakh crore.

Inaugurating the 21st Enterprise Odisha organised by CII here on Wednesday, Naveen said flagship initiatives like Skilled-in-Odisha have ensured that the industrial work force in the State is skilled with the latest tools, techniques and technologies for enhanced employability.

“The Start-Up Odisha initiative has been working towards facilitation of start-ups, targeting to make Odisha amongst top three Start-up hubs by 2020. I am sure that the youth and entrepreneurs will take maximum benefit from such initiatives,” he said. Odisha, the Chief Minister said, is consistently ranked amongst the top three States in terms of live manufacturing investments in India. Focusing on 3 Ts - Transparency,  Technology and Team-Work, the State Government has taken up several proactive measures for ensuring faster grounding of projects, he said.

“Our flagship initiative towards investor outreach, the Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2016 was an overwhelming success with participation of over 100 companies and announcement of investment intents of more than `2 lakh crore. Of 124 investment intents received last year, 76 proposals are at various stages of implementation,” he said.

The Chief Minister said next edition of Make-in-Odisha Conclave will be organised from November 11 to 15 in 2018. The conclave would not just be another investors’ meet, but also a platform for the best minds to interact, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities in the State, he added.

Enterprise Odisha this year is showcasing the manufacturing potential, latest technologies adopted by industrial houses and their methods of production besides promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Chairman of CII Odisha State Council TK Chand said the industrial body has been actively promoting industrialisation by playing a pro-active role in partnering with industries, Government agencies and civil society. “We would work with greater responsibilities during the Make-in-Odisha conclave 2018 to make it a truly global summit,” he said.