Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday met ambassadors from over 30 countries and over 50 delegates representing various industries for discussing business opportunities ahead of the Make in Odisha conclave on November 30.

Naveen, who is currently on a six-day visit to Delhi, showcased Odisha’s industrial potential to the investors while hosting a curtain raiser for Make in Odisha Conclave and Investors’ Meet in the national capital.

Addressing the guests Naveen said: “Odisha is one of the fastest growing economies in India and has consistently grown above the national average in the last decade and a half. We are fast emerging as a major industrial destination in eastern India because of our natural resource advantage and strategic location. Over the last 20 years, my government has focused on leveraging these natural advantages through progressive policy, efficient administration, and technological interventions.”

Naveen said: “The Make in Odisha (MIO) Conclave 22 will be held in Bhubaneswar from November 30 to December 4. I would request your excellencies to kindly consider being a partner country of Odisha during the conclave. As part of the MIO Conclave 22, we are setting up an International Pavilion at the venue. You may kindly consider setting up offices and stalls in the pavilion during the conclave. We will provide all necessary facilitation.”

In his welcome address for the curtain raiser event of Make in Odisha Conclave 22, chief secretary, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said: “The Make in Odisha Conclave (MIO'22) aims to provide a platform for industry leaders from across the world to discuss a roadmap for industrial development in the coming years.

A humble beginning was made in 2016, which saw a footfall of 18,500 and received over 120 investment intents valued at over Rs. 2 Lakh crore.

“In 2018, we hosted the 2nd edition which raised the bar even higher and received an influx of 45,000 visitors and received investments worth over Rs 4 Lakh. We need your support and cooperation to ensure that this year's event is a grand success. The Make in Odisha Conclave 22 is a platform that brings all the stakeholders together.”

Mahapatra said: “The Government of Odisha will use the platform to showcase the vast existing and emerging opportunities in the state for the investors. Through the Conclave, we want to build new relationships and strengthen our old relationships with all of you. We want you all to be a partner in Odisha’s growth story.”

Addressing the gathering, MSME and industries minister Pratap Keshari Deb said: “Odisha has always been known for its magnificent handloom industry, we are now firmly focusing on technical textile as well. We are setting up a technical textiles park in Bhadrak anchored again by IOCL's 300 KTPA Polyester and Fiber plant. Similar to the chemicals and petrochemicals sector, and textiles sector, we have also developed robust ecosystems for sectors like food processing, IT/ITeS, ESDM etc”.

Industries secretary Hemant Sharma made a presentation about Make in Odisha to the audience in which he highlighted the states over two decades of stable governance, as the fastest growing economy in the country, top choice in the sector of minerals and metallurgy, dominance in metal manufacturing and the commitment of the towards the future. He also presented about the business ecosystem in Odisha.