By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 14 2020:

Speaking as the Chief guest at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) National E-Conference on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat, Pradhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat can be realized by investing in mineral-rich Odisha. Odisha can contribute its bit to make India self-reliant, the Union Minister added.

Referring to Mission Purvodaya envisioned by the Prime Minister, Pradhan underscores the need for a balanced development of India with eastern states leading the way.

Odisha would play a key role in realising Mission Purvodaya and making of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the minister remarked saying that Kalinga Nagar will be the steel hub of eastern India.

The state is rich in mineral resources and have large ports, which offer unique opportunities for industrial growth, Pradhan said adding that both the steel and petrochemical sector and their ancillary industries are uniquely poised to leverage the opportunities and further expand their footprints.

The minister said that industry leaders should leverage the rich mineral resources, skilled workforce and well-drawn policies of the Odisha government to excel in Steel manufacturing.

The Minister emphasized that Port-led economy can be a game-changer for Odisha. He said the government is doing massive work in inland waterways in Odisha, Paradip port has emerged as the numerous port of India. Dhamra and Gopalpur ports are playing important roles.

He appealed to Steel industry leaders to work with transparent policies and generate employment opportunities to strengthen the country in making Atmanirbhar.

With a bouquet of policy reforms, the government aims to provide a level-playing field to the industries for wealth creation. Well-laid processes and policy clarity are being designed to ensure ease of doing business, the minister informed.

“Ensuring Minimum Government, and Maximum Governance will be key to enable our industries to create wealth for society. We must facilitate businesses by providing necessary infrastructure”, Pradhan remarked.

He called upon steel industry leaders to gear up to meet domestic requirements. He said our collective efforts with resolve and co-operation will pave the way for making of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The country has emerged from the slowdown caused by the pandemic and multiple economic indicators are already suggesting a rebounding of Indian economy. He said there is a visible growth in the manufacturing sector, exports which were minus 6.6 in 2019, have grown by 5.3 % last month.

He mentioned that Railway freight has shot up by 15%, FDI has also increased and there is increasing investments in various projects leading to a positive growth trajectory. He also stated that Industry and businesses have a huge role to play in the economic recovery and self-reliant India.