By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: FICCI and IPICOL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, naming FICCI as the National Industry Partner for the Make in Odisha Conclave 2022. The conclave is set to take place in Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, from November 30th to December 4th, 2022.
Pratap Keshari Deb, Minister for Industries, MSME & Energy. Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries, Arun Chawla, Director General, FICCI, and senior officers of IPICOL and FICCI were present at the MoU signing ceremony.
Minister Deb said, “This is going to be the third edition of the Make in Odisha Conclave. The first MIO in 2016 witnessed an overwhelming response receiving over Rs 2 Lakh Crores worth of investment intent. Over 5000 delegates participated in it and it had over 50 speakers from across the globe, in the second edition it was over Rs 4 lakh crores of investment intent, the goal of this year’s conclave is to surpass all the expectations and more importantly, to firmly put Odisha on the global map.”
The Minister also stated that “the state has grown at 10.1% making it one of the fastest growing economies in India. Manufacturing sector with 56% share in Industrial GSVA grew at 14.3% in 2021-22 while mining sector with 21% share registered 18.1% growth.”
He also drew attention to the fact that Odisha has become a destination of choice for industries in the metal and allied sectors owing to our natural resources and ecosystem advantage.
The Government has proactively taken measures to broad-base the industrial ecosystem in the state, with focus sectors like chemicals and petrochemicals, textiles and apparel among others.
Speaking about the natural resources, he said, “Odisha has 96 percent of India’s chromite reserves, 92 percent nickel reserves, 53 percent bauxite, 45 percent manganese, 35 percent iron-one, and 23 percent coal reserves. This has made Odisha the largest producer of Steel, Stainless Steel, Ferro Alloys, Alumina, and Aluminium in India.”
Chawla highlighted the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, immense investment potential across sectors, proactive approach of the State Government officials and focus on ease of doing business as the key strengths of Odisha.
He also mentioned that FICCI will leverage its sectoral expertise; tremendous industry connects and experience for the successful organization of the event.
Industry Secretary Sharma gave the introductory remarks and underlined the fact that Make in Odisha is the most enterprising event in Odisha, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists alike. The preceding two events have already had a tremendous impact by making Odisha the preferred investment destination. The trend will continue this year, and the conclave will reach new heights, bringing more investments and job opportunities to the state. Bhupendra Singh Poonia, MD, IPICOL thanked all the dignitaries for gracing the occasion and conveyed the commitment of IPICOL for creating and executing tangible milestones in furtherance of this MoU.
