The Business Bytes
BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 31, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): The Odisha government is sharpening its focus on the defence and aerospace sectors, marking them as pivotal for the state’s industrial advancement. This strategic emphasis was highlighted by Kalyan Mohanty, Executive Director of IPICOL, on the second day of ‘Resurgent Odisha 2024’, a three-day global trade show organized by the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (UCCIL) at Janta Maidan, here.
During the event, Mohanty underscored the state’s commitment to these sectors, pointing out a range of opportunities awaiting investors. The trade show brought together key industry figures and experts to discuss the future of these critical industries.
A panel discussion, moderated by Brigadier LC Patnaik of UCCIL, featured prominent leaders including Guru Biswal, CEO of Aerospace; Sudhanshu Mohan Jena, Executive Director of HAL (Koraput); Lt Gen AK Samantara, former DG of Infantry; and Gyan Ranjan Mohanty of Corrosion Protection. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities in defence equipment production. The panel stressed the importance of start-ups understanding the stringent quality standards set by the Department of Defence and recommended industry tours for budding entrepreneurs to gain practical insights.
Another seminar addressed logistics and transportation infrastructure in Odisha, highlighting innovative transport solutions. Speakers such as Subrat Tripathy, Group Advisor at Adani Ports & SEZ; Suresh Mishra, former Professor at IIT Kharagpur; and Amit Dutta, MD of Hunch Mobility (Aviation), discussed the potential of small helipads for emergency relief and medical supplies, and the evolving landscape of transportation through drones and electric captors. The session, coordinated by JK Rath of UCCIL, emphasized the rapid advancements in technology that could transform civil aviation.
The third panel discussion explored emerging industries and export opportunities. Organised by SS Mohanty of UCCIL, this session focused on electric vehicles (EV), semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI). Key speakers included Shripad Karmakar, Director at IIT Bhubaneswar; Sujay Shetty, Managing Director of PwC India; and Saurav Kishore, Deputy Head at Dun & Bradstreet. They highlighted Odisha’s skilled workforce and the potential for setting up industries across various sectors, from supply chain management to vendor development, and stressed the growing scope for IT, software, and medical device exports.
A subsequent session on the Ease of Doing Business, with a particular emphasis on digitisation and AI for MSMEs, was moderated by Sanjeev Mohapatra of UCCIL. Speakers such as PK Gupta, Joint Director-DFO at MSME; Ramesh Kumar, Director at PwC (ESDM); Ajay Mahakud, Director at Dun & Bradstreet; and Natasha Jha, Project Head at Tata Steel, discussed how digitisation can facilitate business operations and funding for MSMEs. They also highlighted the importance of adopting AI to stay competitive.
The final session of the day focused on women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship. Speakers including Namrata Mishra, CEO of KIT-TBI; Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director at the World Trade Centre; Monika Nayyar Patnaik, Managing Director of Sambad Group; Jayshree Mohanty, President of Luminous Infoways; and Nilanjana Mukherjee, MD of Kalinga Hospital, emphasized how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for women’s social, economic, and holistic empowerment. They discussed how financial independence through entrepreneurship can positively impact families, society, and the broader economy.
Overall, ‘Resurgent Odisha 2024’ has showcased the state’s commitment to nurturing its defence, aerospace, and emerging industries while fostering innovation and inclusivity.
