World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar observed World Trade Day in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 31^st July, 2022. It was observed for the fifth consecutive year in the State of Odisha with a view to create awareness on International Trade and its impact on economic development as well as regional growth of the State. This event was marked by a discussion on the theme “International Trade & Exports – A view of Odisha's Growth Trajectory ”.  Senior government officials and eminent experts from the industry were present on the occasion to share their views. 

World Trade Day celebration placed a unique platform for the entrepreneurs of the State of Odisha to learn and discuss key issues pertaining to global business. It also gave due recognition to business leadership, achievements and best practices. The program through its networking session helps the MSMEs of the State to explore export opportunities with other countries encouraging them to participate in International Trade. 

The program kicked of with a presentation on the activities and initiatives taken up by World Trade Center Bhubaneswar to help businesses/entities from the state to foray into the global market across sectors followed by lighting of the lamp. 

Mr. Pratap Keshari Deb, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Department of Industries, MSME & Energy, Govt. of Odisha during his address deliberated on the sincere and proactive measures needed to be undertaken to elevate the economic scenario of the state and further extended assistance in building a roadmap & policy making. There has been a shift in mindset in terms of export and quality control along with marketing assistance should be worked upon on a mission mode to compete with other states, he added. 

Mr. Rohit Pujari, Hon’ble Minister of State, (Ind. Charge), Higher Education Department, Govt. of Odisha highlighted how Odisha has the suitable environment & ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Industry & Higher Education go hand in hand and the young mass has to be facilitated to be job ready effectively though collaborative measures, he further added. 

Mr. Sujeet Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha joined the session virtually and during his address lauded the center for its contribution in leveraging the export scenario of the state henceforth providing an effective platform for the exporters and potential exporters to explore and penetrate into the global market. He also spoke about the potential of the state in various sectors and urged to collectively contribute in accelerating trade and move towards the goal of making Odisha as the export hub of the country. 

Mr. Santosh Sarangi, IAS, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, Govt. of India lauded WTC Bhubaneswar for providing a platform with international linkages for entrepreneurs and potential exporters. He highlighted how India has performed phenomenally in terms of Global trade in spite of the Covid era. He further shared his insights on how certain factors/elements work collectively in the entire supply chain to reap the maximum benefits and the need for diversification of tertiary sectors and value-added products to scale up exports from the state of Odisha. He also assured infrastructure and logistics related issues to be addressed by DGFT, Govt. of India. 

Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, IFS, Consul General of India, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam during his address highlighted the trade opportunities to foster bilateral between India and Vietnam while focusing on the state of Odisha. He also deliberated on the emerging trends of trade and businesses in Vietnam while emphasizing on the unexplored resources possessed by Odisha in terms of natural resources, art & craft, textile, skilled manpower etc. 

Dr. Rina Routray, Chairperson, Mahila Atma Nirbhar Abhigyan during her address spoke about various initiatives and activities WTC Bhubaneswar undertakes to facilitate and handhold the MSMEs. WTC Bhubaneswar has been working effectively to uplift entrepreneurship from the grassroot level and its focus has been to work locally for global outreach, she added. 

Earlier in the session, Mr. Rajen Padhi, Convener, WTC Bhubaneswar International Trade Promotion Think Tank delivered the welcome address and deliberated on the recent announcement by RBI (Reserve Bank of India) to settle Foreign Trade in rupees.

The center designated and announced Honorary Convenorship and Co-Convenorship to the industry representatives & stakeholders among the member base for its six verticals like IT & Startups, Smart City & Infrastructure, Agriculture & Food Processing, Tourism & Hospitality, International Trade Promotion and Women Forum. The idea has been to seek guidance from the industry experts which shall help the center in advancing & promoting each sector not just in the state but globally. The Convenors of the Center deliberated on the upcoming plans & future course of action. 

In addition to that, Mr. Aditya Dash, Managing Director/CEO, Ram’s Assorted Cold Storage (MSME Export Achievement), Ms. Priyadarshini Das, Founder, Ecodarsini (Best Innovative Startup), Mr. KK Singh, MD, Surya International Private Limited (Small Business Global Trade), Ms. Panchami Manoo Ukil, Founder Trustee, The DN Wisdom Tree Global School (Special Recognition – Education Sector), Mr. Rajen Padhi, Commercial Director, B—One Business House (Growth and Promotion of Trade) and Dr. Rina Routray, Chairperson, Mahila Atmanirbhar Abhiyan (Special Recognition – Social Sector) were awarded and felicitated for their tremendous efforts and achievements in the respective sectors. 

Further, the partners for the program were thanked and felicitated for their kind association with the program by the esteemed dignitaries on the dais. 

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar proposed the vote of thanks. 

The session was followed by networking dinner.