Bengaluru: The Government of Odisha, in collaboration with FICCI organized the Odisha Investors’ meet. “Odisha is one of the fastest growing economies in India and has consistently grown above the national average in the last decade and a half. We are fast emerging as a major industrial destination in India because of our natural resource advantage and strategic location,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

“Odisha’s abundant natural resources, skilled and productive human resources, progressive policies and strong result-oriented governance provide a unique ecosystem. Today, Odisha is ranked among the top states in India in terms of live manufacturing investments and has been accorded the achievers status in the recently released ease of doing business ratings by the Government of India,” he said.

“As we enter into a new era of industrialization propelled by advancements in technology and a philosophy of sustainability, we require a collaborative effort between the government, industry and people to ensure consistent growth,” he added, saying highlighting about the stable governance in the state for over two decades, Odisha’s position in the EoDB ranking, competitive cost of doing business, impact of investment facilitation, best-in-class incentives and highly skilled human resources, which helped the state achieve a distinct competitive advantage over others.

K Ullas Kamath, Chairman, FICCI Karnataka State Council, highlighted how Odisha has been one of the major breakout states in the country in terms of development, registering impressive GSDP growth rates year-after-year and industrializing at break-neck speed. Odisha has had an impressive ride soaring even higher with a strong foundation that has been laid under the leadership of our Chief Minister.

Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Skill Development and Technical Education and Chairman-IDCO and Chairman-IPICOL, Government of Odisha, made a presentation about the industrial ecosystem in Odisha and about the 'Make in Odisha Conclave-22' to the audience. Manoj Mishra, Secretary, Electronics & IT Department, Government of Odisha, spoke about the emerging IT and ITeS ecosystem in the state.

Pratap Keshari Deb, Minister, Industries, MSME and Energy, Government of Odisha, said, “Under the CM, the state government has taken a Whole-of-Government approach toward service delivery to citizens and businesses. We are today becoming a destination of choice for investors across the country. I would like to welcome all the Industry Captains; associations and their members present here to come and explore Odisha as your next investment destination.” /BI/