By Our Correspondent
SINGAPORE/BHUBANESWAR: While addressing the 300-odd gathering Union PNG Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Odiya people, our ancestors, used to do trade with South East Asia in previous centuries and their contribution in development of South East Asia is well recognised. Appreciating the successful,constructive role being played by the Odiya Community in development of Singapore,Minister Pradhan said that the present generation of Odiya brothers and sisters based here are doing the same work that our glorious ancestors had done.
He added that Intelligence and hard work are trademark and key to success of Odiya community which have put them on path of success everywhere in the World. He appealed to them to contribute in whichever way possible for development of Odisha. He welcomed them to come and participate in socioeconomic life of Odisha.
Referring to Singapore success story he said we have missed the opportunity to create several Singapores in India including few in Odisha. He underlined that we should not miss the opportunity this time. He mentioned that making Paradip refinery the base we can develop a Singapore type ecosystem in Odisha.
Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Vijay Thakur Singh recalled Bali Yatra and said that Odiya people have pioneered maritime trade with South East Asia and compared visit of Minister to that of Bali Yatra.
During the day Pradhan visited Various refinery, petrochemical complexes to explore how successful petrochemical complex can be developed in India including in Paradip, Odisha
