Opportunities in Odisha, India event held in London today at Taj Hotel St James Court to explore business collaboration for both UK and Indian Business organization and to invite investment in the Odisha state of India.
The event was organised by Department of Industries Government of Odisha and supported by the High commission of India, Confederation of Indian Industries and UK India Busines Council.
Eminent delegates and panel members included Mr. Kevin McCole, COO UK India Business Council, Mr. D S Ravindraraju Director, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd, Dr Virander Paul, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, IAS Principal Secretary to Government of Odisha and Mr. Debi Prasad Mishra, Honorable Minister of Industries from Govt of Odisha.
Shri Debi Prasad Mishra inaugurated the event and provided an overview of the opportunities in the state available to the British Businesses.
He highlighted that Odisha is ranked as one of the leading states in 2015 on Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank ahead of other industrialized Indian states such as Maharastra and Tamil Nadu.
Odisha’ Paradip port is India’s second largest port offers access to the market in ASEAN and the whole Asia-Pacific region.
The state is also home to India’s largest business houses such as Tata Steel, Infosys, Wipro, etc.
Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, IAS emphasised that Odisha state is in the second stage of reform where they are trying hassle free business
environment.
He also mentioned that projects under Green Industry are being cleared within 15 days and Non-Green Industry within 30 days time frame and some of the Green areas projects have been cleared in Odisha state even within 3 to 7 days.
Mr. Chopra also added that this event is mainly focussed on developing collaboration in the area of Industrial infrastructure, Mining, Electrical Manufacturing, Textile, etc.
Odisha is the 3rd top state in India by ASSOCHAM
British businesses were very interactive after the business presentation.
Hazel Lince, International Sales Manager, Technical Training Group
It was an interesting event with a very positive message from the Orissa government, however, the comments from some companies who are operating there indicated that there is some way to go before the message becomes a reality.
Following are some of the main queries which were posed to the Indian State team.
- What distinct value Odisha state offers over other states of India such as Andra Pradesh?
- If Odisha govt also have a plan and help international school projects to set up there?
- If Odisha government also offers any special incentive to small British start-ups?
- How can state government help in boosting travel related business?
- If the state government offers any ready made projects?
One British business organization representative also expressed the frustration with delays in India.
Gillian Kerr, Chief Marketing Officer of Trade Horizons stated her experience,
It was very different to learn about new business area in India and Odisha state.It was very hardcore about mining and steel.
Perhaps in the Midlands UK, British people & businesses would be more interested as they are more in similar businesses.
Opportunities in Amaravati Andhra Pradesh event in London
Make in India event by UKIBC in London