World Trade Center Bhubaneswar associated with EEPC India (Engineering Export Promotion Council of India) to organize an awareness session for engineering sector here in Bhubaneswar. This was the third such initiative taken by both the organizations to enhance the awareness on engineering exports for the entrepreneurs of the state. The session was also marked by opening ceremony of EEPC Odisha Chapter office opening at Cuttack and signing of a trade promotion Memorandum of Understanding between both the organizations.

Mr Hemant Sharma, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Industries and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of Odisha in his inaugural address said “Today by the opening of the EEPCs chapter office Odisha has achieved an industrial milestone as it has been a long standing demand by the State”. “Odisha is in the crux of an industrial growth entering into the phase of industrialization. In Industry 2.0 the State government aims at rapid growth of MSMEs linked to priority sectors. The rich industrial belts and good connectivity puts across vast scope for development of ancillary and downstream industries” he added. “Exports today are all about having cost advantage for which the State provides ample support in terms of availability of raw materials, railway linkages, port facilities and a healthy industrial ecosystem” said Mr Sharma. 

Dr N.B. Jawale, IAS, in his address spoke about the remarkable progress made by the State of Odisha in terms of industrial growth. He highlighted how the State which was primarily known for its richness in mining sector has transformed into the largest producer of steel, aluminium and stainless steel. He further highlighted the vision 2030 of the Odisha Government which aims at adding value to the metal produce by adding 50 percent value to the primary metals. He further deliberated that crucial role to be played by MSMEs and encouraged them to evolve and participate in the process of industrialization. 

Mr Ravi Sehgal, Chairman, EEPC in his address spoke about the various prospects presented by EEPC India for development of engineering exports. “Odisha holds the key for iron and steel, I thus urge the industrial fraternity of the State to explore and benefit out of the business networking and trade development opportunities being offered by EEPC India” said Mr Sehgal. He further shared about the recent announcement of the central government of India by which any new MSME starting exports can avail the EEPC membership for a nominal amount of Rupees One thousand only. 

Mr Mahendra Gupta, Managing Director, Gupta Power Ltd and Convenor, WTC Bhubaneswar Think Tank on Infrastructure spoke about the recent statistics of growth and employment capacity of the sector in Odisha. While welcoming the move of EEPC India to open a chapter office in Odisha he highlighted the current trend of exports imports from the State particularly with countries such as USA, EU, North America and Middle East and west Asia (MEWA) etc. He further assured to extend full support for developing the engineering sector from the state. “The trade promotion Memorandum of Understanding being signed between WTC Bhubaneswar and EEPC India with this purpose” said Mr Gupta.

Mr Pawan Sureka, Chairman, Functional Committee on Export Awareness (ER), EEPC India, in his address spoke about the history about the formation of EEPC and the benefits of being a member with EEPC. He deliberated on increasing manufacturing sector for which it is highly essential to establish effective business connections. 

Mr Y Sudheer, DGM & RM - ER, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd, Bhubaneswar made a presentation detailing about Principle of Insurance, Export Credit Insurance, Insurance for different types of exports, Letter of credit [LC] & Non LC transactions. He explained about the benefits of credit insurance and the risks which are covered by the corporation. 

Mr Pradip Paul, Retail Forex Head for Odisha, HDFC Bank Ltd in his address explained and discussed on the financial schemes designed for MSMEs.
Mr Dipan Mitra, Manager, Regional Office - CRM, National Stock Exchange Ltd made a detailed presentation on a new & viable option of raising risk capital from a diversified set of investors in an efficient manner.

Mr Chandrashekhar Mishra, Co-Convener, WTC Bhubaneswar Infrastructure Think Tank presented on the Developing Engineering Exports from Odisha.

Mrs Anima Pandey, Regional Director & Director (Membership), EEPC India spoke on the role of EEPC India on export facilitation & on the upcoming promotional activities.