Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today performed ground-breaking of 20 industrial projects and inaugurated 2 projects, ranging from metal and downstream, tourism, textile and apparel, cement, plastic and food processing sectors.

In a major boost to the Make in Odisha, these 22 industrial units with a combined investment of Rs.13, 311.53 Crore will generate employment opportunities for 10,677 persons in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that he is pleased as Odisha is going high with impressive investments in the manufacturing sector, step by step, making the position of the State stronger as a Manufacturing Hub of India. He further said that our consistent efforts to improve the investment ecosystem laced with our peaceful social climate are paying off to realize our desired goal.

Expressing happiness over the new projects, he said that we are launching 22 industrial projects with an investment of over Rs 13,000 crore that can create jobs for over 10, 600 persons. Highlighting the impact of the 5T Initiatives, he said that Mo Sarkar and 5T Initiatives of his Government are solidly in place to effectively streamline the investment facilitation mechanism in the State. We must ensure that the Citizens and Businesses are provided services from the Government in a hassle-free and time bound manner, he added. 

During the occasion, he launched the mobile version of GO PLUS, a land bank information system, and said it will be particularly helpful for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the State.

Speaking on the rise of Odisha as an investment destination, he said over the past few years, Odisha has emerged as number one investment destination with 18 percent share of all investments nationally during the period from April to September in 2019. The state’s investment promotion agency, IPICOL has been recognized as the “Top Performer” amongst 20 State Investment Promotion Agencies in the country by Government of India, he added. Further the implementation of ease of doing business reforms by various departments will ensure that businesses continue to grow in the state. Today’s event is a proof of the continued dominance of Odisha in investment attractiveness as well as facilitation, he emphasized. 

He expressed confidence that these projects will provide ample opportunities for employment and help the growth of the state’s economy.