Odisha contributing to growth of nation through skilled work force: CM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 12:  Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday said Odisha, the land acknowledged for its exquisite art and craft, is now contributing to the growth of the nation through its skilled workforce, who are trained in various trades and excelling in various industries in Odisha and beyond.

These young men and women are the harbingers of the ‘I am Odisha’ campaign and the force behind the rise of Odisha as an Industrial powerhouse, he said dedicating the Expo on the eve of the second edition of the global investors meet- Make in Odisha Conclave -at Janata Maidan here.

Urging the delegates and captains of industry to discover the enormous business and growth opportunities that the State offers, he said they should plan a long term association with the State after experiencing the all-round development that the State has seen in the past two decades.

“As   you   all   know,   Odisha   is   emerging   as   a manufacturing hub of the East, and we are incessantly working towards developing it as a   global   hub   for industries in certain focus sectors,” the Chief Minister said adding, “I look forward to continued support and engagement from FICCI in the industrial journey of the State, during and beyond the Make in Odisha Conclave 2018.”

Patnaik said the State has set a Vision  2025   for  industrial development in six focus sectors and urged FICCI to partner with the State Government  departments  in successful implementation of various initiatives.

Odisha is a pioneer State in Skill development, and through ‘Skilled in Odisha’ programme, we are making our youth industry-ready, he added.

Speaking about the atmosphere for setting up industries, the Chief Minister said the average time taken for project approvals in the State has been reduced to about 20 days.

            Lauding the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( FICCI)—Industry Partner for mega event—the Chief Minister said continuous industry feedback and support is necessary for industrial development.

“FICCI with over 90 years of experience in representing the investor community of the country,   has made  a  remarkable  contribution towards industrial development in India,” Patnaik said and added, “FICCI as the National Industry Partner for this Make in Odisha Conclave 2018, has played a very significant role.”

He said this flagship investors’ meet of the Odisha Government has come a long way from its humble beginning two years back.

The Expo on this occasion focuses on showcasing industrial prowess of the State, with most of the industries operating in the State displaying their success stories of making in Odisha, he said while complimenting all the industries for their contribution to the State’s economy.

“Who thought that Odisha will top the Smart City Challenge in the country or who thought Odisha will set global standards in disaster management, he asked adding, “Who thought Odisha will play a major role in our country s food security.

He said perhaps none thought Odisha will be   noticed for lifting the maximum number of people above poverty.

“I welcome you all to the new Odisha-Come, Join us and be a part of this transformation,” the Chief Minister concluded.