Bhubaneswar, Nov. 27: The state government today reiterated its promise to provide opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. Besides, it is also hoping to achieve 60 per cent growth in the manufacturing sector, along with a 25 per cent increase in employment by 2019.
Speaking at the 20th Enterprise Odisha conducted jointly by the state government and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), chief minister Naveen Patnaik said the state government had taken a number of initiatives for industrial development.
"The state is setting up a world class industrial infrastructure ecosystem and opening up new opportunities for business in chemicals, plastics and petroleum, agro and seafood processing, electronics manufacturing and the textile sector," Naveen said.
He said the recently launched Industrial Policy was one of the most industry-friendly policies in the country.
"A new framework for doing business is in place and a number of business-friendly reforms have been implemented in the state," he said.
The event, which was inaugurated today at the Idco Exhibition Ground, will continue till December 1. The organisers expect that the event will draw more than 50,000 visitors over the next four days. In order to encourage innovation, a first-of-its-kind competition on innovative ideas models by startups of the state is also being organised.
A CII member said the primary objective of this annual flagship event was to explore business opportunities in the state and attract new investments in various sectors. "It provides a platform for exhibitors to attract new customers and showcase their latest technological innovations in the field of manufacturing and services," said chairman of CII, Odisha State Council, D.S. Ravindra Raju.
More than 100 companies, including mega industries such as Tata Steel, Paradeep Phosphate Ltd, Jindal Stainless Ltd and Balasore Alloys, have set up their kiosks at the trade fare. A number of start ups have also taken part in the event.
The CII will also organise a one-day "MSME Connect 2015" tomorrow with an objective to facilitate an interaction between the mega industries and the MSMEs.
"We are committed to help entrepreneurs in all core sectors, including manufacturing and processing industries," said a CII member.
"The confederation has also signed an MoU with the municipal corporation here to develop vision, goals and strategies to shape Bhubaneswar into a Smart City. Forums would be created on manufacturing, tourism, health care and agriculture for the overall development of the state," said another federation member.
