Developing the skill sets of the existing set of micro & small entrepreneurs is one of the essential tasks for the development of the MSME sector. In this endeavour World Trade Center Bhubaneswar initiated and successfully concluded the series on Skill Development put together association with Start –Up Odisha and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). The Center organized a valedictory session to mark the completion of all the three programs on Textile & Fashion Technology, Food Processing and Starting a Start –Up organized under the series. The session aimed to bring all the partner organizations to an integrated platform for sharing their overall views and also suggest take away for the way forward.

Mr. Sujeet Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, joined the session as Chief Guest. While delivering the key note address Mr. Kumar deliberated on the six key focus areas of the State Government of Odisha which aimed at developing Odisha as the skill hub of the nation. While highlighting the various initiatives of the government he spoke on the skill development councils which are being formed in order to not only enhance the domestic outreach but also increase the exports of various potential products and services from the State. He also shared insights about the upcoming Start-up Policy of the State.

Dr. Subrata Kumar Biswal, Faculty & Regional In-charge, EDII (Eastern Region) speaking on the occasion advocated for further strengthening the existing Start-up ecosystem. While lauding the efforts taken by the partner organizations he advised for more such programs to be structured and executed for the development of the MSME sector paving way for a healthy ecosystem for the entrepreneurial culture to flourish. 

The respective resource persons from the all the three programs namely Mr. Ashok Juneja, National President from Textile Association of India, Mr. Pradosh Rout, Zonal Head, (Odisha & Chattisgarh) from ICICI Bank, Dr. Bijay Kumar Sahu, Regional Manager from National Research & Development Corporation Government of India, Dr. Nivedita Jena, COO, DBT-ILS Bioincubator, from The Institute of Life Sciences, Mr. Aurobindo Panda, Founder of Lex Protector LLP shared their views about the need for bridging the skill gap for an inclusive development and growth to happen and invited the MSMEs as well as aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups to come forward and avail the assistance made available through their respective organizations.

Mr. Ashiwini Rath, CEO, Batoi Systems Pvt Ltd and Convenor of WTC Bhubaneswar Start-up, Innovation & Technology Think Tank in his welcome address while welcoming the guest speakers and attendees spoke about the importance of innovation driven start-ups which shall add sustainability to an enterprise and enhanced productivity to human life.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar earlier in her address shared her experience of receiving an overwhelming response to the series from participants from across sector.