By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The visiting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said that Odisha wants long-term mutually Beneficial Relationships with MENA Region and said his
aims was to “forge strong socio-economic ties with the UAE and develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships”.
Chief Minister Patnaik official sources said, visited marble dome of Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi and said “The marble dome of #SheikhZayedMosque, Abu Dhabi is an epitome of magnificence with intricate inlay work inspired by Moghul architecture. I am told, the artisans & the marbles also came from Makrana village of Rajasthan. A bit of India, everywhere,”.
In an exclusive interaction with Gulf News, Patnaik, said: “My government is extremely keen to forge strong socio-economic ties with the UAE and the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region and develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships. Therefore, I am personally here with my team of senior government officials to present the vast existing and emerging opportunities in Odisha for businesses in the UAE.”
According to the chief minister, there is a vibrant Odia community of more than 100,000 living and working in the UAE. “Over the last few years, we have seen a rapid rise in the number of Odia expats in the UAE and the Middle East. This is becoming one of the destinations of choice for many skilled and highly-skilled Odia professionals,” he observed.
Patnaik said the Odia cultural associations in this region have played an integral part in promoting the Odia culture in the UAE and the Middle East. “Every year, they organise cultural programmes and celebrate ‘Utkal Diwas’ (Odisha Day). We have a strong people-to-people relationship between both the regions.”
He said the focus on industrial sectors of the UAE and the MENA region like petrochemicals, chemicals and plastics, metals, advanced electronic manufacturing etc are completely aligned with the inherent strength of Odisha. “We are looking forward to meeting with the representatives of leading companies and industry associations in this region and hoping for a fruitful visit,” said Patnaik who is accompanied by a high-level delegation from the state.
Huge billboards advertising his participation in Odisha Investors’ Meet slated for Wednesday, have appeared on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The meet is being jointly hosted by hosted by Odisha Government, FICCI and Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.
