35 delegates taking part in Odisha MSME Trade Fair

As many as 35 delegates from Iran, Bangladesh, Germany and Korea are participating in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) international trade fair in Odisha. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the fair yesterday where more than 350 stalls with six pavilions belonging to various international organisations, 30 start-ups, industry associations, exporters, state PSUs and other central government organisations have been put up.

"The state government is committed towards development of MSMEs in Odisha. The trade fair will lay special emphasis on development of food processing sector. It will also go a long way exploring business opportunities in the state," Patnaik said. He said over 3.12 lakh MSMEs have been set up in the state with a cumulative investment of more than Rs 15,300 crore and employment to over 13 lakh persons. The investment promotion in MSME and food processing sector remains a focus area of the government, the chief minister said.

MSME Minister Prafulla Samal said development of MSMEs and provision of a conducive eco-system for their development remains the focus of the state government. He added the government is assisting the entrepreneurs with new declared policies for MSME and food processing sectors along with credit mobilisation. Union MSME Secretary Arun Kumar Panda congratulated the state government for organizing the trade fair and taking steps for growth of MSMEs in Odisha.

He said the government would extend all cooperation for the growth of MSMEs of Odisha through cluster funding ZED, GeM and Digital Marketing. Additional Chief Secretary, MSME LN Gupta said these trade fair this year focuses on the food processing sector.

As many as 70 entrepreneurs related to food processing sector, 50 of engineering, chemical and plastic sector, 30 of handicrafts and textile sector, 30 of ST/SC and 60 women entrepreneurs have put up their stalls. This apart, 31 startups have also showcased their products at the trade fair which will continue till March 10.