Report by Pravuprasad Routray, Bhubaneswar: Odisha MSME International Trade Fair 2014 jointly organized by MSME Department, Govt. of Odisha and National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC) concluded here today with much success, excitement and enthusiasm.
The seven-day long international trade fair which had over 270 stalls elicited good response and witnessed brisk footfall as around 2.67 lakh visitors thronged the trade fair ground during the seven days. The trade fair which brought in all facilities and information for setting up of small and medium enterprises at one place, generated a total business of around Rs. 4.51 crores while generating further business enquiries of around 1.26 lacs.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Shri U.N Behera, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha while Shri Panchan Dash, Secretary, MSME, Govt. of Odisha, A N Sahay, CMD, MCL, Dr. H P Kumar, CMD, NSIC Ltd, Shri. N Palai, Director of Industries, Govt. of Odisha, Shri P C Nayak, Dy Zonal General Manager, NSIC and Shri A K Bal, CEO, EMIL were present on the occasion.
In a significant announcement at the valedictory function NSIC CMD Dr. H P Kumar said "To further the development of MSME sector in the state, NSIC will be setting up a one-of-its kind MSME facilitation centre at Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs. 60 crores. This facilitation centre which is expected to come up in around a year time will have all service providers like machinery, technological support, finance, export promotion etc. at one place." Dr. Kumar also lauded the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Govt. of Odisha for development of MSME sector in the state and assured all support from NSIC in this regard. From next year NSIC will bring in more international participation in the trade fair, he added.
Speaking at the occasion, MSME Secretary, Govt. of Odisha Shri Panchanan Dash said "With the immense response received from entrepreneurs as well as large industries, the Odisha MSME International Trade Fair 2014 has truly been a grand success. We are focusing on two areas - infrastructure and credit facility, which really contribute towards development of the MSME sector. Also Odisha MSME Dept. has developed 19 new ideas with the support of Prof. Anil K Gupta of IIM, Ahmadabad, also a member of National Innovation Council, which will be implemented in coming days."
Several participants including NALCO, SAIL, HAL, MCL, Tata Steel, Ordinance Factory, Paradip Port Trust, Government of Gujarat etc. were awarded for best display at the trade fair in respective categories. A trade directory was also released on the occasion. The major industries participated in the mega trade fair included Rourkela Steel Plant, MCL, Nalco, HAL, Paradip Port Trust, Tata Steel, IOCL and EMIL. Besides, more than 16 nationalized and private banks also participated.