World Trade Center Bhubaneswar observed World Trade Day & Annual Members Meet 2023. It was held for the sixth consecutive year in Odisha with a view to create awareness on international trade and its impact on economic development and regional growth of the State. The event was marked by a discussion on the theme “International Trade - Growing Business Across Borders” on Friday, 21 July, 2023.

The program was held at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhubaneswar and provided an unique platform for the budding entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs entrepreneurs of the State of Odisha to not only learn and discuss key issues pertaining to global business but also gain understanding of the intricacies of international trade, explore new markets, learn from experts on the emerging opportunities that markets across the borders have to offer. The program through its networking session also helped the MSMEs of the State to explore export opportunities with other countries encouraging them to participate in International Trade. Senior government officials and eminent experts from the industry were present on the occasion to share their views.

During the program, WTC Bhubaneswar also recognized the outstanding contributions of MSMEs, Small Businesses, Trade Promotion Organizations, Companies and Businesses that have excelled in international markets by presenting them with awards under different categories and duly recognized their business leadership, achievements, and best practices. A Memorandum of Understanding was also inked with Orissa Small Scale Industries Association (OSSIA), Cuttack to explore areas of mutual co-operation to further assist the MSMEs of Odisha to augment their market outreach and penetrate the global market. Further, the conveners and co-conveners for six sectorial think tanks namely Tourism & Hospitality, Agriculture & Food Processing, International Trade Promotion, SIT (Start-up, Innovation & Technology), Smart City & Infrastructure and Women Entrepreneurs Forum.

Mr. Santosh Sarangi, IAS, Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, Government of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. “India has a target to achieve 2 trillion dollar export by 2023, one trillion each in merchandise and services. Currently our export is 450 billion dollars, and to reach one trillion dollar mark we need to grow at year-on-year rate of 12 percent. Similarly in service sector we need to grow at 16.6 percent on an average every year. Odisha needs investment in Pharmaceuticals and Plastics sectors to grow its export scenario.”, he deliberated. He also spoke on the rise and significance of E-Commerce platforms. “Majority of the exporters are from places like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Gujarat etc and not from interior places of the state like Sambalpur, Bolangir, Raygada etc even though there is huge potential from such places. In order to bridge the gaps, DGFT shall organize workshops focused on e-commerce in collaboration with the State Government. These workshops shall provide end-to-end assistance on on-boarding, payment gateways etc. We will also ensure the facilitation of Export Incentives like RODTEP are made accessible. We have recently signed 300 FTAs (Free Trade Agreement) and working towards signing more FTAs with countries in near future.” he added. He further deliberated how WTC Bhubaneswar can

help the exporters of the state by handholding them being a channel between the central as well as the state government to ensure Odisha has a better trade footprint on the global map.

Ms. Petula Thomas, CEO, Indo- Australian Chamber of Commerce graced the occasion as the Chief Speaker and deliberated on the huge potential for trade collaborations between India and Australia in sectors like Metals & Mining, Food Processing, Educational Services etc. She highlighted how WTC can act as a great platform for such collaborations where both the countries can work towards better trade relations and surge in bilateral trade.

Mr. Saswat Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha in his address highlighted various aspects of State Export Policy and talks about the digital initiatives being undertaken by the state for facilitating the exporters for seamless execution of exports. He further announced about the Air Cargo services commencing from the month of September which shall provide much needed impetus to the exporters in Odisha to explore the international market. “Stakeholder Meeting has been scheduled where the exporters from the state shall discuss with the officials of Indigo Airlines on various export related aspects”, he added.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai in his address said “As India aspires to become a trillion dollar economy; MSMEs have to play a crucial role in export to realize the dream. In terms of export, we stand at 4^th position. In the next 5 years, India aspires to be placed in 3^rd position and we need to work towards the goal in a substantial manner which can be achieved through integration with ASEAN, BRICS, BIMSTEC etc. We have potential in sectors like IT, ITes and Pharmaceuticals”.

Earlier in the session, Capt. Somesh Batra, Chairman, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar welcomed all the esteemed dignitaries, members of WTC Bhubaneswar and all other special invitees during the program and deliberated on the initiatives being undertaken by the center for accelerating the export scenario from the state as well as the next plan of action. He also deliberated on the objective of World Trade Day and its significance.

Mr. Rajen Padhi, Honorary Convener, World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar International Trade Think Tank & Commercial Director, B-One Business House spoke on the initiatives undertaken by the center to handhold the MSMEs to further explore international market in a purview to promote trade.

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

The event was held on Friday, 21^st July, 2023 at Chanakya Hall, Hotel Swosti Premium.