Mining, metal and power industries hold the key to industrialisation development of Odisha. Growth of these core sector industries would strengthen non-mineral-based industries in the State, opined Jindal Steel and Power ltd MD Ravi Uppal at the Odisha Round Table Conference held here by a business newspaper on Sunday.
Terming Odisha as the mineral basket of India, the JSPl MD said, “Mines are strategically located and have everything required for industries. The State should take advantage of these huge natural resource.”
He appreciated the State Government for introducing several reforms and e-governance to enhance the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in Odisha.
Speaking on steel industry, he said the industry is now facing difficult time globally. However, in India the potential for growth is very high as demand for steel in domestic market is increasing and, hopefully, would touch 8 per cent to 10 per cent o the total demand soon.
“Indian steel sector can recover much faster in comparison to that in other countries. The domestic steelmakers need systematic protection from dumping by global players like China, Japan and Korea, where demand for steel has been shrinking,” said Uppal, the JSPl Group CEO.
He said Odisha has attracted maximum investment in the steel sector and is one of the leading steel producing States. The Odisha Government should persuade the Union Government to ring-fence the steel industry against imports.
He suggested that the State Government show empathy and sensitivity to industries operating in its soil. “Irrespective of its ownership, the industries being set up in the soil of Odisha are asset of its people and, hence, the State Government must protect them,” he opined.
Among others, Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Chef Secretary AP Padhi and Nalco CMD TK Chand participated.