In a significant step toward fostering global outreach and promoting technology-led exports, the World Trade Center Bhubaneswar and the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC India) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the august presence of eminent government and industry leaders.

Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Electronics & Information Technology Department, Government of Odisha deliberated on the state’s growing focus on electronics manufacturing and emphasized that semiconductor production is expected to commence in Odisha within the next couple of years.

Gracing the occasion Mr. Vishal Kumar Dev (IAS), Principal Secretary of the IT Department, highlighted the rising contribution of the services sector to Odisha’s economy. He spoke about the state’s attractive IT and semiconductor policies, which offer some of the best incentives in India for companies willing to invest in these sectors.

Mr. Manish Chadha, Joint Secretary to the Government of India provided insights into how India’s electronics manufacturing sector has improved over the past few years. He lauded the supportive central government policies for which 99% of mobile phones used in India are now manufactured within the country. He noted that India is becoming a major player in global smartphone manufacturing.

The event also witnessed the august presence of Mr. Manas Panda, Managing Director, OCAC, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Deputy CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director, ESC, Mr. Sandeep Narula, Chairman (Global Outreach), ESC, Mr. Veer Sagar, Chairman, ESC, Dr. Ashwini Kumar Rath, Chairman, ESC (Eastern Region).

All ESC dignitaries expressed their optimism about the partnership, viewing it as a strategic move to accelerate market access, technology transfer, and export facilitation for businesses in Eastern India. They underscored ESC’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and emerging startups to compete in the global technology landscape.

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar aims to leverage this MoU to further strengthen trade facilitation, drive skill development and expand international networking opportunities for Odisha’s fast-evolving IT and electronics sector. The collaboration envisions joint initiatives including global B2B platforms, export promotion activities, and comprehensive capacity-building programs to empower local enterprises for global competitiveness.

The MoU signing ceremony concluded on a promising note, with both organizations pledging to work together to unlock new trade and investment opportunities for Indian technology enterprises, particularly from the Eastern region.

This partnership marks a major milestone in WTC Bhubaneswar’s ongoing mission to position Odisha as a hub for technology-driven economic development and international trade engagement.

The MoU was inked on Friday, 2^nd May 2025 at IHCL Hotel Crown, Bhubaneswar.