Export Ecosystem in Odisha Post COVID 19

The world wide spread of the pandemic resulted in unfathomable economic fallouts. In the post COVID-19 scenario factors such as updated technology, automated manufacturing and infrastructure have a critical role to play in keeping the world connected more than ever before. Indian engineering exports has grown over a span of years when India grew from a nation exporting just $10 million of engineering goods in 1955 to $81 billion in 2018-19. Odisha contains a fifth of India's coal, a quarter of its iron ore, a third of its bauxite reserves and most of the chromite. Major engineering exports from the state of Odisha include Iron and Steel and its products, Metal ores, hand tools and cutting tools, and electrical machinery among others. Understanding the importance of this sector and also the need to discuss the development of the sector during and post this tough time World Trade Center Bhubaneswar organized an interactive session on “Export Friendly Ecosystem in Odisha” in association with Engineering Export Promotion Council, Eastern Region.

The session was organized with an objective to gain an understanding of the post COVID-19 issues of the engineering industries from Odisha, identifying key areas for growth of engineering exports from the State and learn more about the different development schemes of the state government.

Dr. Nitin Jawale, IAS, Managing Director, Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd in his key note address spoke about the proactive measures taken by the State Government and the phenomenal support received by the industry players and in combating COVID 19 situation in the State. He highlighted that Odisha is the second highest domestic investment destination among all states of India and based on the report of NITI Aayog Export Preparedness Index 2020 and is among top five export-friendly states in India which are a matter of great pride for the state. He also emphasized on the recent infrastructural developments in the state which shall further ease of doing exports from the state. He assured all supportive measures and assistance to be made available to the exporters from the State Government and its agencies. 

Mr. B.D. Agarwal, Regional Chairman, Engineering Export Promotion Council of India Eastern Region in his address spoke about the initiatives of EEPC India and its structural set-up. He deliberated on the need of changing the mindset of entrepreneurs, who are either content at serving the domestic market or consider exports as too risky an option to venture into. He offered assistance through EEPC to help the industries in Odisha to identify products and markets that could help the State fully realize its export potential, by assessing both the supply and demand side dynamics. 

Mr. Pawan Sureka, Convener, EEPC India Odisha Chapter made a detailed presentation highlighting the broad classification of the Indian engineering sector, the role of EEPC in promoting exports with respect to pre and post COVID assistance in terms of virtual exhibitions. He also shared insights about the EEPC India technology centers & training programs offered, digital initiatives taken etc. He further presented some of the critical issues seeking support from the State Government of Odisha in development of the sector.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director proposed the vote of thanks.