The valedictory session of the Skill Development Series 1 on Fashion & Textile technology was successfully conducted by World Trade Center Bhubaneswar with the active support of organizations namely National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bhubaneswar, Textile Association of India, Start-up Odisha and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India. 

Dr. Amar Patnaik, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha addressed the session as Chief Guest. He spoke about the current position on textile sector in India and its remarkable contribution to the nation’s economy. He lauded the government’s initiative of redefining the MSMEs increasing the scope for development of the sector. He strongly opined on benchmarking of key factors such as quality consistency, appropriate market approach, development of weaver community etc for upliftment of the sector. He advocated for the need of training to develop differentiated product. He also deliberated on steps to be taken towards creation of POs (Producer Organizations) for weavers as FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) in agriculture sector.

Capt Somesh Batra, Chairman, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar and Vice Chairman World Trade Center Mumbai in his address spoke about the initiative as one of its kind for skill development initiatives by any trade promotion organization in Odisha, encompassing technical awareness among micro, small and medium enterprises in the state. Advocating for a joint effort by all the stakeholders for achieving the goals set by visions such as Make in India, Digital India and Skill India he enthused the entrepreneurs to convert the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic into opportunities. He further deliberated on the strength of women in the field of entrepreneurship. While emphasizing on the enormous and unique potential held by the State of Odisha he stressed on the importance and crucial role of organizations such as World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in working towards positive development of the State’s trade & commerce. 

Mr. Ashok Juneja, National President, Textile Association of India in his address deliberated in detail about the textile association of India, its objective, activities, outreach and focus areas. He shared details about the membership procedure and benefits of associating with TAI. He also underlined the increasing importance and scope for the textile sector in India and its contribution to the national GDP as well as employment index of the nation.

Dr. Subrata Biswal, Faculty, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India in his address spoke on the potentials of the Odisha and its growth prospects in both the domestic and international markets. He advocated for apt policy measures to be taken from time to time enabling the market players to explore the untouched markets and succeed in sustainable & competitive fashion. 

Mr. Prasanta Biswal, Evangelist and Head of Start-up Odisha in his address spoke about the various measures taken by the State government to support the start-up culture in the State. He shared insights about the Start-up policy and the various financial and marketing assistances made available to the start-ups through the policy. He also shared some of the success stories of start-ups by women who not only had unique ideas but also have been successful in establishing a social enterprise. 

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar proposed the vote of thanks and assured an enduring support to the entrepreneurs in this business journey in all feasible manner.