Bhubaneswar, Oct. 20: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today addressed ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 25 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Russia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Norway, Spain, Italy, UAE and Saudi Arabia, to draw foreign investment to the state.
The chief minister invited the participating ambassadors, high commissioners and senior members of the diplomatic corps to Bhubaneswar, along with their business delegations, to take part in the Make in Odisha Conclave being organised by the state in collaboration with the Union government from November 30 to December 2.
Odisha has received an encouraging response from the participating dignitaries, many of whom have expressed their desire to attend the conclave in Bhubaneswar, along with their business delegations, and indicated that they will mobilise their corporate companies and business entities to invest in the state, said government officials present at the meet.
Addressing the envoys, Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj lauded the state government's initiatives and appreciated the industry-friendly ecosystem available in Odisha. Officials also said Sushma threw light on the abundance of natural resources and availability of skilled labour in the state.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meet, Naveen said: "We held very productive discussions today with the envoys. We look forward to strengthening our trade and business relationship with various countries and emerge as the manufacturing hub of the East."
Delivering his keynote address at the meet, the chief minister said Odisha had strived hard to create vital social, economic and industrial infrastructure. The state has undertaken crucial reforms in various sectors and improved governance, strengthened institutions and streamlined regulatory framework.
"The state is leveraging technology in a big way and the integration of business approvals with eBiZ platform and GIS-based land information system, GO-iPLUS (a GIS-based industrial land use and infrastructure information system) has been undertaken to provide hassle-free business environment," he said.
Naveen said the World Bank in their Business Reforms Report, 2015, had acknowledged the state's efforts for creating a conducive business environment with fast paced reforms and recognised Odisha as an "aspiring leader". Owing to a favourable business climate, Odisha secured about $ 11 billion investment commitments during the Make in India Week held in February in Mumbai and $13 billion at the Bangalore Investors' Meet held in August.
Odisha offers wide business opportunities in various mega investment regions, including petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals investment in Paradip, Information Technology Investment Region in Bhubaneswar and the National Investment Manufacturing Zone at Kalinganagar, said Naveen.
He urged the participating dignitaries from foreign missions to encourage companies and investors from their respective countries to explore Odisha as an investment destination.
