Paradeep: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Odisha Chapter, successfully hosted the CII MSME Connect 2024 at the Biju Convention Centre, Paradeep Port Authority Campus, on Saturday. The event, themed “Vendor Connect Series: Expanding Business Horizons,” focused on fostering strong partnerships between large-scale industries and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to accelerate the economic growth of Odisha.
In his address, Oisha minister for Idustry & Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Swain said, “Paradeep plays a crucial role in the industrial and economic framework of Odisha. To further harness its potential, we must focus on enhancing Paradeep’s infrastructure and positioning it as a national and global industrial hub. The state is keen to foster strong partnerships between MSMEs and large industries, ensuring a vibrant and thriving industrial ecosystem,” said minister Swain.
MSME minister Gokulananda Mallick said, “MSME exports account for 45% of Odisha’s total exports. The establishment of food parks in Bargarh, Bolangir, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur has significantly boosted the food processing industry, creating new opportunities for MSMEs across the state. The Odisha Startup Growth Fund has also played a pivotal role in supporting startups and promoting innovation within the MSME sector,” minister Mallick remarked.
Highlighting the objective of the program, Odisha iprincipal secretary, industries, Hemant Sharma said, ‘Our Government is deeply committed to foster development of the MSME sector in the state. As part of this endeavour, we have been conducting MSME Connect programs across various districts including Jharsuguda and Angul and planning similar initiatives at Ganjam, Rayagada, and Kalahandi to further strengthen the sector.’
Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, chairman of CII Odisha State Council, said, , ‘CIl MSME Connect 2024 is a crucial step in bridging the gap between major industrial players and their supply chain partners. This initiative aims to catalyze innovation, growth, and mutual prosperity while enhancing the vendor ecosystem in the region,’ Dr. Mohanty said.
PL Haranadh, chairman Paradeep Port Trust said, ‘Procurement from MSMEs was 26 percent in 2019-20, higher than the mandated 25 percent for the year. We are procuring 74 percent from MSMEs, a substantial increase in recent years highlights our thrust for development of this sector. He also urged MSMEs to be competitive and quality conscious and invest in innovation and technology:.
Sonal, Jagatsinghpur district collector, Kausik Basu, Executive Director & Refinery head Indian Oil Corporation,
Girish Naik, Head of Commercial at JSW BPSL Works, Palaniswamy Velusamy, CMO and Unit Head at Paradeep Phosphates Ltd also discussed about the potential of Paradeep as an industrial hub.
The program was followed by B2B meetings with large scale companies mainly with Paradeep Port Authority, Indian oil Corporation Limited, Vedanta Ltd, JSW, JSL, AM/NS India, IFFCO, TPCODL and PPL.
