WTC Bhubaneswar observes World Trade Day 2021

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar observed World Trade Day 2021 marked by a discussion on the theme “Global Trade Leading Odisha across Borders”. The Trade Day was observed for the fourth time in Odisha by WTC Bhubaneswar with a view to create awareness on international trade and its impact on economic development and regional growth of the State. World Trade Day celebration stood as a unique platform for the entrepreneurs of the State of Odisha to learn and discuss key issues pertaining to global business. The program also helped the MSMEs of the State to explore export opportunities with other countries encouraging them to participate in International Trade.

Mrs. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, World Trade Center Mumbai in her address welcomed all the dignitaries to the program and spoke about the challenges posed to the MSMES and international trade opportunities by COVID 19 pandemic. While highlighting the economic progress of the State despite the pandemic situation she urged the fraternity to emerge out this scene in a successful manner.

Mr. Uday Narayan Das, IAS, Additional Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha, spoke about the true potentials of the state as far as exports are concerned. He highlighted the significant jump in exports of the State since the year 2016. He also mentioned about the various measures taken and initiated by the State government which has ramped up to accelerate production of export quality goods and how Odisha is one of the few states which is strengthening its export potential right from the district level.

Mr. Anand Mohan Mishra, Deputy DGFT, O/o Director General of Foreign Trade, Kolkata, made a presentation in which he emphasized on the sectors like Chemicals, Pharma, IT and IT Enabled Services as the tailwinds for Indian Industries specifically during the pandemic scenario. He spoke about the global value chain and improving trade by fighting protectionism. He further shared insights on the role of the Government, the policy framework and about its endeavours to protect trade.
Dr. Ashis Dash, Director (Foreign Trade), Directorate General of Trade Remedies, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India shared his insight on Industrial development of a region and how value addition is a critical aspect of it. He stated that planned and collaborative measures work towards better infrastructure to aid in the advancement of exports.

Mr. Muzzafar Shah Hanafi, Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Malaysia, India expressed his views on how the ASEAN has emerged as one of the most favourable regions of the world for exports. He spoke about the increase in the trade deficit during the pandemic situation mostly due to significant decline in travel and larger deficit in transport, telecommunications, computer & information as well as the charges for the use of IP.

Mr. Pawan Sureka, Convenor, EEPC India (Cuttack Odisha Chapter) in his address stressed upon the need to identify the dynamic strong catalyst for enhancing exports from the State. While lauding WTC Bhubaneswar for functioning as one such catalyst he urged the exporters and the Government to look at the One District One Product formula with a focused approach to achieve greater success in international trade.

Mr. Y Sudheer, Regional Manager, Eastern Region, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) of India in his address spoke about ECGC’s role in facilitating exports from the country and the various benefits provided by the Corporation to the exporters.

Mr. S.K. Jena, Director, Export Promotion and Marketing, Government of Odisha in his address spoke about Odisha as a favourable region for mega projects and also shared about establishment of State Promotion Councils. He outlined the potentials and achievements of the State on exports.

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