The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal on Monday met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. During the discussion, Patnaik sought for better collaboration with the US in climate change and industry sector.
The Chief Minister said that Odisha is one of the first States in the country to prepare State Action Plan on climate change in a participative process in 2010. The plan aims to reduce vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity. The Chief Minister wanted to explore partnership between Odisha and the US in various adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change.
The Chief Minister also sought for deeper cooperation in the industry sector with the US. He said that the State has a vision to increase manufacturing growth by 15 per cent by 2019 by attracting new investments to the tune of `1.73 lakh core and additional employment to 3.30 lakh persons. Patnaik also described about the State’s industrial policy, reform measures and industrial infrastructure available in Odisha. The Chief Minister wanted greater cooperation from the US for investments in manufacturing units in identified focus sectors, large scale industrial and social infrastructure, smart industrial complexes, R and D facilities and technical cooperation.
Starting on a personal note, Assistant Secretary of State Biswal said she was very happy to visit Odisha and she and her children have great interest in the culture and heritage of Odisha. She said that she was here to explore the opportunities in Odisha.
Biswal appreciated the efforts of Odisha Government in strengthening preparedness and improving resilience for disaster management. She lauded the State for effectively managing cyclones in Odisha. She also said that the Odisha experience in managing disasters is a good lesson for other countries. Talking on the industrial and economic cooperation between Odisha and US, she said US intends to boost better trade ties in South Asia and South-East Asia. As Odisha is strategically located in South Asia, she would like to explore various options on how to improve economic engagements between Odisha and US.