By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 2, 2018: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday called upon investors to explore investment opportunities in Odisha on the sidelines of ‘Odisha Parba’, a two day-long colourful celebration at Surat in Gujarat.

Pradhan urged Odia workers – particularly engaged in textiles and plastic sectors – to invest in downstream polymer industries in Paradip and Bhadrak.

“A large number of Odias are working for textile and plastic industries in Surat where they are employed as managers and workers. It is time for them to bring home their experience, float their own firms and contribute towards development of the state,” Pradhan said referring to the plastic park proposed in Paradip spread over 120 acres.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated the Odisha Parba. An “Investors Summit” was also organized on the occasion at Surat. .

“Investors must make use of the “ease of doing business” opportunity in Odisha to usher industrialization in the state thus fulfilling the dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said the Union Minister.

“Surat is an industrial hub and hence the road show was held to motivate the investors and Odias working here. We want all Odia youth to stand on their own feet,” Pradhan said during the event. “The Centre is already working towards fulfilling its promise of providing employment and the state government should also cooperate,” added Pradhan, according to a PIB release.

Interestingly, the event precedes barely a couple of weeks away from the Naveen Patnaik government’s second ‘Make In Odisha’ conclave to woo investments to the state.