By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 25, 2018: European Union (EU) will not officially collaborate with the Odisha government for Make in Odisha Conclave to be held here in November 11 to 15, ambassador of the EU to India Tomasz Kozlowski said here on Tuesday.

“In the first week of September European commissioner for environment visited India and was accompanied by a business delegation. Similarly last week more than 100 European companies participated in renewable energy expo in India. It means, we have been trying to bring as many European companies as possible to India but it is for them to find partners to look for business opportunities,” said Kozlowski. He was on a two day visit to the state.

Kozlowski, however, pointed out that the future partnership between EU and Odisha is quite rosy. “Our relationship is not only on trade and investment but also on other aspects of economy and social cooperation. We have been providing technical support to various developmental projects in the state including for the growth of Bhubaneswar as a smart city,” he pointed out.

He said, as many as three students from Odisha have been selected for integrated joint masters degree on a full EU-funded scholarship programme in best institutions in Europe this year.

Kozlowski also ruled out the chances of any ban on export of Indian shrimps to European countries. “We are not going to put any ban on Indian shrimps. Only one thing is that we have some health regulations in Europe and all imports from abroad should meet our requirement,” he said.

EU is the third largest destination for Indian seafood including frozen shrimp from Odisha continuing to be the major item of export after USA and South East Asia.

However, many investors from European countries like Germany and Italy are scheduled to participate in the second Make in Odisha conclave.

Japan has been announced as the country partner for the conclave while the state government has claimed that they are expecting good turnout of investors from European countries like Germany and Italy.

“We got very good response from European investors during our visit to the countries. They appreciate the business ecosystem in Odisha under the stable leadership of our chief minister. We are very positive about their participation,” said industry minister Anant Das.

Odisha government had urged a group of trade consulates from various European countries to be participate in the flagship mega investors’ meet of Odisha government. Delegation from Odisha government conducted roadshows in different countries like Germany, Italy, Saudi Arab and South Korea.

The state has received investment intent of over Rs two lakh crore during the last Make in Odisha conclave held in 2016.