Odisha, Republic of Korea has significant opportunity to strengthen trade and investment- Naveen

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today emphasized significant opportunity between Republic of Korea and Odisha to strengthen the trade, investment and tourism exchange.

Patnaik who discussed with the visiting nine-member business delegation from the Republic of Korea led by its Ambassador to India Shin Bong Kil invited industries from the Republic of Korea to explore the new opportunities the state offers.

Odisha government, he said is in the process of promulgating a strategy document, Vision 2030 to ensure that 50 per cent of the primary metal produced in the state is value-added within the state.

The Korean business delegation is a part of 46-member high-level Korean Caravan comprising Korean businessmen, diplomats and Taekwondo performers.

It is an annual event organized by the Embassy of Korea in a couple of states in India to enhance mutual understanding, and explore mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse sectors including the promotion of Koran investment and business in states and vibrant cultural exchanges.

The Chief Minister said Odisha has envisioned its industrial growth in six focus sectors to facilitate the growth of these industries in the state.

The government he said is providing a conducive business environment, industry-ready infrastructure and skilled workforce to achieve the goal.

The focus sectors are–Electronics Manufacturing, Petroleum, Chemical and Petro Chemicals, Textiles and Technical Textiles, Tourism, downstream to metal and food processing.

Patnaik said Odisha is also fast emerging as a major destination for petrochemicals and chemicals of the country and invited Korean investment in these as well as in other sectors as it has a natural strength.

Bhubaneswar, he said, is home to some of the largest IT companies in the world and would be an ideal place for electronic products manufacturing by Korean companies.

The Chief Minister’s office sources said the Korean Ambassador appreciated the vision of the Chief Minister and the keenness of the state government for investment and industrialization in the state.

He expressed strong possibilities of investment in various sector including agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and services.

Skill Development Authority Chairman Subroto Bagchi said Odisha is setting up a world Skill centre at a cost of 200 million US Dollar to provide training to 150,000 persons in eight streams.(UNI)