The Business Bytes
Jharsuguda, July 30, 2024 (TBB Bureau): “Odisha has immense potential for growth in sectors like metals, agro-processing, textiles, chemicals, tourism, and emerging industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, IT, and electronics,” said Sunil Gupta, Vice Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, and Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, at the inaugural edition of the CII MSME Vendor Connect Series.
Hosted by Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, this landmark event was held in Jharsuguda on July 20, under the theme ‘Expanding Business Horizon.’
The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Rourkela, and Sambalpur to explore growth opportunities and enhance the visibility of MSMEs across the state. Keynote speakers highlighted Odisha’s immense growth potential in various sectors, including metals, agro-processing, renewable energy, and IT.
Sunil Gupta emphasized the strategic importance of the event, stating, “Its strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure support a thriving startup ecosystem. Platforms like the CII MSME Vendor Connect Series will provide an opportunity to unleash the full potential of MSMEs in Odisha and help address crucial aspects ranging from policy, finance, technology adoption, regulatory compliance, market access, to skill development.”
The event featured insightful presentations on expanding MSME business opportunities and included engaging B2B sessions with various industries, including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindalco, Rourkela Steel Plant, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, JSW, Shyam Metallics, Tata Power, TRL Krosaki, and Dalmia Cement. Discussions revolved around the strategic importance of MSMEs in driving the state’s economic development and the need for fostering innovation, skill enhancement, and sustainable practices in the region.
The inaugural session was graced by Prabhu Prasad Choudhury, Additional Director – Department of Industries, Government of Odisha, Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman – CII Odisha State Council, and Sunil Gupta.
Pradipta Mohanty highlighted the role of CII in fostering a growth-friendly environment for industry through partnerships with both industry and government. “Recognizing the MSME sector as the backbone of our economy—significantly contributing to GDP growth, industrial output, and exports—CII has initiated the MSME Vendor Connect series. This platform is designed to facilitate connections between MSMEs and large-scale industries, as well as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), with a particular focus on enhancing and fortifying the MSME ecosystem within the State,” he said.
The CII MSME Vendor Connect Series aims to promote industrial development by strengthening MSMEs in Odisha, providing them with the necessary support, resources, and platforms to grow. The series focuses on promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, enhancing the skills of the local workforce to meet the demands of large-scale industries and PSUs, creating opportunities for MSMEs in the global market, and working with the government to ensure a favorable policy environment that supports the growth of MSMEs.
The event concluded with a series of B2B meetings and networking sessions, providing MSMEs with valuable opportunities to connect with industry giants and explore collaborative ventures.
