By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 21, 2020: Odisha has selected Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) as the national industry partner for the third edition of ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave, the flagship industrial summit of the state government.

Make in Odisha event showcases the State as an industrial powerhouse and a preferred investment destination in the country.

The state owned industry promoter, IPICOL signed an MoU with FICCI on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for investment promotion and investor outreach activities to be undertaken leading up to the conclave.

With the signing of this MoU, the chief minister he expressed confidence that the state will take the next leap in terms of industrial growth and development. The conclaves in 2016 and 2018 brought in a significant increase in the quantum of new investments to Odisha and helped create a diversified industrial base in the State, Naveen remarked while speaking on the occasion.

Odisha continues to remain an attractive investment destination despite the Covid -19 outbreak. Even during these trying times, the State has attracted new investments worth over Rs 24,300 crore since February 2020, he said adding that the Five-T Initiatives have brought about a change in Governance and making significant contribution to the overall industrial ecosystem of the state.

Reiterating that the State Government has a vision of making Odisha as one of the best investment destinations, the Chief Minister said the positive policy framework, robust infrastructure, skilled human resources and result oriented administrative set up will help Odisha realising this vision.

He further said that Odisha has implemented a robust single window framework to enable seamless, hassle-free and prompt investment facilitation services.

Although the Chief Minister during the last conclave in 2018 had announced that the 2020 edition will be organised between November 30 and December 4, the event is likely to be rescheduled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has restricted exhibitions, conferences and public gathering. The State Government has decided to continue investment outreach activities with prospective investors on virtual platforms till the time the situation is ripe for organising the mega industrial carnival in physical form.

Industries Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, joining from Bhadrak said that both the previous Make in Odisha were huge success with combined investment offers over 6 lakh crore. Over 60 percent of these investment proposals are in various stages of implementation, he added.

Joining from Hyderabad, FICCI President Dr. Sangitha Reddy said that Odisha has a special relationship with FICCI. On the investment climate of Odisha, she said that Odisha has all the critical building blocks for success of the State.