The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 26, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): The World Trade Center Bhubaneswar marked the seventh annual celebration of World Trade Day 2024, illuminating the vital link between international trade and Odisha’s economic growth. Held at a city hotel here on Friday, this year’s event resonated with the theme “Odisha as the gateway for Global Trade,” underscoring the state’s burgeoning role in global commerce.
The event provided a dynamic platform for Odisha’s burgeoning entrepreneurs, exporters, and MSMEs to delve into pivotal global business issues, navigate the intricacies of international trade, explore untapped markets, and harness emerging opportunities. A robust networking session catalyzed collaborations among MSMEs and international partners, invigorating their participation in global trade initiatives.
Distinguished by the presence of senior government officials and industry stalwarts, the event spotlighted the achievements of outstanding MSMEs, trade promotion organizations, and entities amplifying Odisha’s export footprint. Notably, Memorandums of Understanding inked with Centurion University, KIIT School of Rural Management, and Balasore Chamber of Industries and Commerce (BCIC) promised to fortify MSMEs in expanding their market reach.
Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, affirming the pivotal role of the World Trade Center in bolstering international trade while pledging government support for artisans, SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs. She unveiled plans for a pioneering e-commerce export hub in collaboration with the private sector.
Nugroho Priyo Pratomo, Director of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) emphasized the enduring cultural and trade affinities between Odisha and Indonesia, fostering optimism for deeper collaborations through WTC Bhubaneswar.
Somesh Batra, Chairman of World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar, reiterated the center’s mission to amplify global trade prospects, spotlighting Odisha’s rich resource endowments and vibrant handicraft sector.
Scott Wang, Vice President of Asia Pacific at World Trade Centers Association, hailed WTC Bhubaneswar’s benchmark service standards and its pivotal role in empowering tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
