The stage is all set for the State Government’s biennial global investors’ summit “Make in Odisha Conclave 2018” at the Janata Maidan here from November 11 to 15. 

The Government has left no stone unturned to make the event a grand success

which is expected to generate investments of more than Rs 2 lakh crore. Industries Minister Ananta Das said, “The expo will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister at 5 pm tomorrow. Industry leaders from both India and abroad will be present at the inaugural function.”

Prominent industrialists like Aditya Birla would address the inaugural session. Mukesh Ambani is also gracing it, added Das. “An event like this has never happened in eastern India. It is the pride of Odisha and hope as well faith of its 4.5 crore people. Around 800 delegates are expected to attend the mega event,” he said.

Industries Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said the conclave is going to be a watershed moment in the State’s industrialisation journey and at a scale that has not been seen before in the State as the response from investors has been very encouraging.

However, the BJP and the Congress criticised the Government for poor execution of the agreements signed with different companies during the last edition of the event in 2016.

BJP State general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra said that only eight per cent of the total MoUs signed during the Make In Odisha Conclave in 2016 have been converted into projects in the last two years. “While nine projects have been commissioned in the State, 22 projects either went to other States or were cancelled,” said Baxipatra.

Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik said, “In last 18 years, the State Government signed many MoUs with companies, but a few have only set up industries. Many including Posco have returned from the State and those who stayed back are either in poor condition or planning to sell their units.”

“It is laughable claim that the Make in Odisha Conclave will attract Rs 2 lakh crore investments into the State,” Patnaik said. In reaction, Industries Minister Das said the BJP is not able to digest the success of the State Government. For nine years, they were there in a coalition Government with the BJD. What have they done for industrialisation in the State, he questioned.