MSME is a vital sector of the state of Odisha and the Government of Odisha is making concerted efforts to energize the sector to make it sustainable and vibrant. The sector contributes significantly to the GDP of the State and provides large scale employment. The State has made considerable progress in enhancing exports in recent years and the Government of India has named Odisha as the “Champion State in growth of Exports” in 2016-17. These observations were made by Shri Prafulla Samal, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Government of Odisha on the occasion of the World Trade Day celebration with the theme “International Trade – Gateway to Odisha’s Prosperity”, held at Bhubaneswar on May 19, 2018. Shri Prafulla Samal commended the efforts of the World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar in consolidating the business and trade landscape of Odisha and he assured all assistance in furthering the activities of the Centre for the promotion of trade and industry in the State.

According to Shri L.N. Gupta, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, the State lays special emphasis on exports and Odisha is making every effort to create a viable eco system for the promotion of international trade. Admittedly, today exports is a priority for the State and the State has set a target of rupees 1 lakh crore of exports by 2025 from the current level of Rs 48, 000 crore (around 7 billion). In 2016 -17, the State achieved an impressive export growth of 114 % and with this outstanding performance the state of Odisha has clinched the 10th position among all states in the country, Shri L.N. Gupta revealed.

Speaking on trade facilitation, Shri Sanjeev G. Dewalwar, IRS, Commissioner, Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax stated that the State, endowed with a long coastline, has ample opportunities for the development of coastal tourism. In respect of port facilities, Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur are natural harbors which can bring mother vessels to the shore. Greater concentration should be on improving port infrastructure, warehouses, availability of electricity, etc. MSMEs can play a major role in developing port ancillaries, Shri Dewalwar said.

Deliberating on the role of Odisha Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation (IDCO), Shri Sushant Kumar Mohanty, Chief General Manager for Land, IDCO stated that the Corporation has plans to set up an exhibition and convention Center and is looking for suitable land for the project.

Speaking on this occasion Prof. (Dr.) K. Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata highlighted the opportunities for enhancing exports from the State. According to Dr. Rangarajan, Odisha needs to strategize its exports keeping in view the developments in the global spectrum and the State’s inherent strength and resources.

Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy, former Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Airport, urged the industry to work with the Government in a sustained manner so as to understand the pulse of commerce in the State.

Earlier , in her welcome address, Ms Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Center Mumbai and Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar, mentioned that this is the second time World Trade Center Bhubaneswar is organizing this event in Bhubaneswar which is a reflection of the renewed interest in this event. Through World Trade Day WTC Bhubaneswar is aiming to reach out to trade and industry of Odisha to make them aware of the importance and relevance of international trade in building a strong economy of the State of Odisha.

In Photo (l-R): Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy, Prof. (Dr.) K. Rangarajan, Shri.L.N. Gupta, IAS, Shri Prafulla Samal, Shri Sanjeev G. Dewalwar, IRS, Mrs. Rupa Naik, Mr. Sushant Kumar Mohanty