♦ The state government is hosting the Make in Odisha conclave from November 30 to December 2. What is the objective behind such an event?

The purpose is to showcase the manufacturing ecosystem of the state to investors, highlight investment opportunities across focus sectors of the state and elicit investment intentions from the companies. According to a study by the Associated Chamber of Commerce, Odisha, Maharashtra and Gujarat are three leading states, which are attracting investment.

There is a saying - Seeing is believing. We, therefore, want the potential investors to see the state themselves and be aware of its potentials.

♦ How many participants do you expect in this mega event?

We expect at least 1,000 participants, including many captains of industries, to attend the conclave.

♦ How much investment do you expect?

It's too early to predict, but we expect a good response. The cost of doing business in Odisha is competitive. We have received an investment commitment to the tune of Rs 1.60 lakh crore at two investors' meets held in Mumbai and Bangalore.

♦ Is the state government organising the event alone?

No, the Union government's department of industrial promotion and planning and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are collaborating. In fact, Odisha has been identified by the central government as one of the three states to organise Make in India shows. The other two states are Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

♦ What steps have been taken earlier to woo investments to the state?

We had held two investors' meets in Mumbai and Bangalore this year in which our chief minister Naveen Patnaik had one-to-one interaction with the captains of industry. We have received investment commitments to the tune of Rs 90,000 crore at Mumbai meet and Rs 70,000 crore at Bangalore meet.

♦ Has the state government done anything as a prelude to the upcoming Make in Odisha Conclave?

During the last two months, we have organised three road shows in Hyderabad, Calcutta and Delhi. Besides, Odisha was a partner in holding a chemical conclave in Mumbai in collaboration with the Union fertilizer and chemicals ministry and Bangladesh. The state government had also partnered with the Union textile ministry to host a textile conclave in Gurgaon. Six months ago, Odisha government had jointly organised an international conference on IT at Silicon Valley in USA where 5,000 IT professionals took part. A delegation from Odisha had also visited China, Taiwan and Dubai to attract investment. Recently, we had organised an ambassadors' meet in New Delhi, which was attended by diplomats from more than 25 countries.

♦ What policy initiatives the state government has taken to woo investors to the state?

We have formulated the industrial policy and have been upgrading it from time to time. In February, the chief minister had unveiled the start-up policy of our government in Mumbai. Recently, the state government has announced eight sector specific policies ranging from food processing, bio-technology to handloom and apparel sectors. Besides, a chemical & petro-chemical policy and an automobile policy are expected soon.

♦ Has the state government done any thing to concretise these policy initiatives?

Last week, the chief minister laid foundation stones for establishment of a jewellery park, a food park and an electronic cluster park.

♦ Apart from the deliberations at the three-day conclave, what more have been planned?

Largest ever expo showcasing the manufacturing prowess of the state is being set up at Janata Maidan on an area of more than 30,000sqm with confirmed participation of about 100 companies.

The expo will have live product and technology demonstrations by domestic and international companies highlighting their experience of investing in Odisha. An Odisha theme pavilion centred on the policy ecosystem and investment opportunities in the state is being developed to be the centrepiece of the expo.

The conclave will also witness organisation of INNOVEX, flagship event of Young Indians, the youth wing of CII, which will focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship amongst the youth. The event will provide opportunities for participants to interact with acclaimed speakers from Silicon Valley, USA, and from across the country on innovation, funding and entrepreneurial skills. Successful start-ups from the state will be sharing their experience and learning.