The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBUTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 9, 2025
The Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (UCCIL), Bhubaneswar, in association with The Business Standard, hosted an insightful workshop on “Metal and Downstream Industries,” with a focus on Aluminium, its downstream, and ancillary industries. The event, held on Tuesday at the UCCIL Conference Hall, aimed to explore the emerging opportunities in the aluminium sector and its potential to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Odisha.
The workshop, which brought together industry leaders, experts, and key stakeholders, was steered by Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, President of UCCIL. He emphasized the importance of such dialogues in shaping the future of Odisha’s industrial landscape and fostering collaboration between large corporations and MSMEs.
In his welcome address, JK Rath, Vice President (Industry) at UCCIL, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants, setting the stage for a thought-provoking session that promised to add significant value to the state’s industrial ecosystem.
Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, President of UCCIL, followed with the inaugural speech, where he expressed his gratitude to all attendees and underscored the critical role of MSMEs in the economic growth of Odisha. He highlighted that the workshop would not only provide valuable insights into the aluminium sector but also address ways to enhance collaboration between large players and the MSME sector.
The first session of the workshop featured prominent industry leaders who shared their expertise on how large corporations are supporting MSMEs in the aluminium and downstream industries.
Shashi Bhushan Upadhyay, Chief Business Officer at JSL, kicked off the session with a comprehensive address on how JSL has been working closely with MSMEs, integrating them into its downstream and ancillary networks. He highlighted various initiatives aimed at empowering local MSMEs through business opportunities and collaboration.
SP Mohapatra, GM of Research & Development at NALCO, followed Upadhyay with a presentation on NALCO’s ongoing efforts to set up an Aluminium Park in Odisha. This park, Mohapatra noted, would primarily serve the MSME sector, offering dedicated resources and infrastructure to boost local industrial growth.
Vineet Mahajan, Head of Domestic Marketing at Vedanta, shared insights into the company’s commitment to sustainability. He highlighted their focus on producing low-cost, low-carbon emission steel and aluminium in their Odisha-based factories. Mahajan also acknowledged that while Vedanta exports a significant portion of its products to other states, the company’s profits are being reinvested into the MSME sector in Odisha, creating a positive economic cycle.
Bibhu Mishra, Advisor at HINDALCO, emphasized the company’s role in supporting local MSMEs. He noted that HINDALCO’s initiatives, which include intensified CSR efforts and academic training programs, have significantly reduced the risks faced by MSMEs. Mishra affirmed that the scope for MSME growth in Odisha is vast, with significant opportunities in the downstream and ancillary sectors.
The second session of the workshop focused on the technical aspects of the aluminium industry and its potential for MSME growth. Moderated by Gyana Ranjan Mohanty, Advisor to UCCIL and Chairman of the MSME & Defence Committee, the technical session featured presentations from key players in the aluminium industry.
Pravin Pandey, Vice President and Head of Strategic Projects and Aluminium Downstream at HINDALCO, presented a detailed analysis of investment opportunities for MSME entrepreneurs in Odisha. He identified several growing and scalable market segments that could offer profitable avenues for MSME investments. Pandey also highlighted the expanding role of aluminium in driving a positive socio-economic impact by creating jobs and contributing to a greener, smarter world.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for both MSMEs and larger industrial players to collaborate and foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic industrial ecosystem in Odisha. The participants left with a deeper understanding of the potential of the aluminium sector and its critical role in shaping the future of Odisha’s economy.
