A conference on Emerging Exports of Odisha, with special focus on Export Finance and documentation, was organized by WTC Bhubaneswar in association with ECGC, ICICI Bank and EXIM Consultancy. The conference was focused on highlighting the export potentials of the State as well as provide for greater insights on export documentation and finance.

Mr Subhrendu Sekhar Dey, Managing Director, Agricultural Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited, deliberated on the scope for agriculture exports from the State of Odisha. He advocated for demand based production of exportable quality products in required volumes in order to effectively boost export of agri products from the state. Highlighting the need for consistency in supply he deliberated on developing production practices through formation of clusters and FPOs thus developing a favourable eco system for exploring the markets particularly for products such as sweet potato, lemon grass, organic turmeric and other spices which are produced in the state. He also invited suggestions from the participants for the new Odisha State Agri Export Policy which is being framed.

Mr Suresh Chandra Hota, Director, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Airport Authority of India, highlighted the upcoming infrastructure facilities at Bhubaneswar Airport. He highlighted details of the enormous modifications and developments which the Bhubaneswar airport has undergone in the past couple of years in order to improve its connectivity within the country as well as with the international locations. He welcomed the exporters to utilize the facilities being provided by the Bhubaneswar airport such as EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) as well as authorizing exports of gems and jewellery directly through Gems & Jewellery export centre at BPIA. Also he announced a dedicated Cargo Terminal being set up at BPIA for enhancing trade and exports from the State.

Mr Santosh Mohanty, IRS, Additional Commissioner Customs, Government of India spoke on easing of GST refunds specially IGST. He shared information about the “Refund Mela” being organized by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India in September 2019 in order to facilitate GST refunds. He emphasized that the Ministry is looking forward to a keep the entrepreneurs at ease as far as taxation is concerned for boosting the growth of the MSME sector and the nation’s economy as a whole. He encouraged the exporters to use the digital facilities to generate bill of entry in order to avail benefits of various schemes of DGFT. He also explained about the Sabka Vishwas Scheme which offers waiver off on the duty liability as well as a penalty.

Mr S K Jena, Director, Directorate of Export Promotion & Marketing, Government of Odisha while highlighting the growth of exports over the last decade urged ICICI bank to ear mark a branch to exclusively for the exporters fraternity.

Mr Suman Jena, Branch Head, ECGC Bhubaneswar in his presentation highlighted the importance of ECGC in promotion and risk mitigation in International Trade. He explained about the benefits of credit insurance and the risks which are covered by the corporation. While Mr Puneet Mehta, Assistant General Manager, ICICI Bank made a detailed presentation on export finance mechanisms of ICICI bank, Mr Rajen Padhi, Founder, EXIM Consultancy in his deliberations emphasised on need of exports and impact on GDP and also explained nuances of International Trade.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar proposed the vote of thanks. A lively Q& A session by the exporters & entrepreneurs added much value to the conference.

In Photo (L-R): Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar, Mr Rajen Padhi, Founder, EXIM Consultancy, Mr S K Jena, Director, Directorate of Export Promotion & Marketing, Government of Odisha, Mr Subhrendu Sekhar Dey, Managing Director, Agricultural Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited, Mr Santosh Mohanty, IRS, Additional Commissioner Customs, Government of India, Mr Suresh Chandra Hota, Director, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Airport Authority of India, Mr Suman Jena, Branch Head, ECGC Bhubaneswar