Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Invites Japanese Investors To Odisha

Bhubaneswar/Tokyo: The Government of Odisha in association with the Indian Embassy in Japan, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted Odisha Business Meet Tokyo 2023, today.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Executive Vice-President of JETRO Kazuya Nakajo and senior officials from the State government, IPICOL and FICCI were present in the meeting, which was attended by over 200 delegates representing various industries from across Japan.

Addressing the guests the Chief Minister extended his warmest of greetings to the dignitaries and stated, “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 India because of our natural resource advantage and strategic location. Odisha’s abundant natural resources, skilled and productive human resources, progressive policies and strong result-oriented governance provide a unique ecosystem. Today, Odisha is ranked among the top states in India in terms of attracting investments and has been accorded the achievers status in the recently released ease of doing business ratings by the Government of India.”

Patnaik highlighted how Odisha is becoming the fulcrum of trade and commerce in the Bay of Bengal region and the measures the Government of Odisha has undertaken to help industries looking to cater to the untapped markets in Eastern and North-Eastern India as well as markets in ASEAN and East Asia region.

Speaking about industrialisation in this era of technological innovations, Patnaik said, “As we enter into a new era of industrialization propelled by advancements in technology and philosophy of sustainability, we require a collaborative effort between the governments, industries and people to ensure consistent growth.”

Concluding his address the Chief Minister said, “Odisha, a state known for its rich culture and tradition, is transforming into a modern industrial hub. While my government is focused on providing the best-in-class facilitation to all investors coming to Odisha, we are also deeply committed to protecting our rich cultural history. The renovation and restoration of Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites have been a key agenda of my Government. I am happy to say that we are transforming sites like Dhauli, Udaygiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri. I request all my Japanese friends to visit Odisha and experience the change. Come, Invest in Odisha, Invest in the future. Come, Join the Juggernaut.”

Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena welcomed an august gathering and shed light on how Odisha has been one of the major breakout states in the country in terms of development, registering impressive GSDP growth year-after-year and industrialising at break-neck speed under the CM’s leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, JETRO Executive Vice-President Nakajo highlighted the emerging business opportunities between Japan and India. He termed the partnership between the two countries more as a ‘Familial Bond’ rather than a ‘Business Relationship’. Nakajo spoke about various upcoming measures being taken by the Government of India including the creation of large-scale industrial infrastructure across the country and urged his Japanese friends to seriously consider major investments in India. He also highlighted Odisha’s strategic location and natural resource advantage as a key to the State being an attractive investment destination for Japanese investors.

Deputy Head of the Mission in Indian Embassy of Japan Mayank Joshi highlighted the ease of doing business reforms carried out by India and its impact in making a robust industrial ecosystem across states. Joshi praised Odisha for investment promotion and facilitation initiatives taken by the State.

Industries Department Principal Secretary Hemant Sharma and Chairman-IDCO and Chairman-IPICOL, Government of Odisha made a presentation about the industrial ecosystem in Odisha to the audience. He highlighted the State’s stable governance of over two decades, the State’s position in EoDB ranking, competitive cost of doing business, impact of investment facilitation, best-in-class incentives and highly skilled human resources, which gives the State a distinct competitive advantage over others.

The Odisha Business Meet 2023 at Tokyo ended on a successful note with the Government of Odisha receiving investment intents of over Rs 25,000 crore (USD 3.04 Billion) in sectors like Logistics, Metal Ancillary, Steel, Metal Downstream, Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia, Green Energy Equipment Manufacturing and IT/ITeS. An MoU for collaboration in skill development sector was also signed between Nihon-Utkal (NITKAL) and IIIT, Bhubaneswar. The event also enabled trade and technology transfer-discussions between Odisha business delegation and Japanese companies.