By Our Correspondent
PARADIP/BHUBANESWAR: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Odisha Chapter, successfully hosted the CII MSME Connect 2024 at the Biju Convention Centre, Paradeep Port Authority Campus, on Saturday. The event, themed “Vendor Connect Series: Expanding Business Horizons,” focused on fostering strong partnerships between large-scale industries and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to accelerate the economic growth of Odisha.
In his address, Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of Industry & Skill Development and Technical Education, Govt of Odisha emphasized the strategic importance of Paradeep in Odisha’s industrial landscape. He highlighted the world-class port facilities and excellent connectivity that make Paradeep a vital hub for the state’s economic development. “Paradeep plays a crucial role in the industrial and economic framework of Odisha. To further harness its potential, we must focus on enhancing Paradeep’s infrastructure and positioning it as a national and global industrial hub. The state is keen to foster strong partnerships between MSMEs and large industries, ensuring a vibrant and thriving industrial ecosystem,” said Minister Swain.
Shri Gokulananda Mallick, the MSME Minister, spoke about the sector’s substantial contribution to Odisha’s export economy. “MSME exports account for 45% of Odisha’s total exports. The establishment of food parks in Bargarh, Bolangir, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur has significantly boosted the food processing industry, creating new opportunities for MSMEs across the state. The Odisha Startup Growth Fund has also played a pivotal role in supporting startups and promoting innovation within the MSME sector,” Minister Mallick remarked.
Highlighting the objective of the program, Shri Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Govt of Odisha stated, “Our Government is deeply committed to foster development of the MSME sector in the state. As part of this endeavour, we have been conducting MSME Connect programs across various districts including Jharsuguda and Angul and planning similar initiatives at Ganjam, Rayagada, and Kalahandi to further strengthen the sector.”
Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman of CII Odisha State Council, welcomed delegates and emphasized the importance of creating a platform that strengthens the connection between large industries and their MSME partners. “CII MSME Connect 2024 is a crucial step in bridging the gap between major industrial players and their supply chain partners. This initiative aims to catalyze innovation, growth, and mutual prosperity while enhancing the vendor ecosystem in the region,” Dr. Mohanty said.
Shri. PL Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman Paradeep Port Trust notes that, procurement from MSMEs was 26 percent in 2019-20, higher that mandated 25 percent by Govt. Current we are procuring 74 percent from MSMEs, a substantial increase in recent years highlights our thrust for development of this sector. He also urged MSMEs to be competitive and quality conscious and invest in innovation and technology.
Shri J. Sonal, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Jagatshighpur throws light on infrastructure and connectivity development projects undertaken by Govt of Odisha and said that our focus is on skilling of local youth to make them employment ready. We want to buildup confidence among MSMEs on ease of doing business and make the atmosphere conducive to them.
Shri Kausik Basu, Executive Director & Refinery head Indian Oil Corporation said, Indian Oil Paradip Refinery remains committed to supporting and empowering MSMEs through such initiatives. Let us continue working together to build a stronger, self-reliant Odisha. Together, we aim to build a robust ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
Shri Girish Naik, Head of Commercial at JSW BPSL Works, underscored the importance of supporting MSMEs in regions like Paradeep and North Odisha. “The CII MSME Vendor Connect Series 2024 offers an opportunity to strengthen MSMEs in these areas by providing the resources and platform needed for their growth,”.
Shri Palaniswamy Velusamy, CMO and Unit Head at Paradeep Phosphates Ltd also stressed the potential of Paradeep as an industrial and MSME hub. “Platforms like CII MSME Connect 2024 are key to unlocking the untapped potential of Paradeep and North Odisha. We are committed to enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs and building a sustainable vendor ecosystem in the region,” he said.
The event concluded with a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between MSMEs and large industries, creating new avenues for growth, innovation, and sustainable economic prosperity in Odisha. The program was followed by B2B meetings with large scale companies mainly with Paradeep Port Authority, Indian oil Corporation Limited, Vedanta Ltd, JSW, JSL, AM/NS India, IFFCO, TPCODL and PPL.
