Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday asked the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department to continuously respond to the evolving challenges to ensure an investor-friendly atmosphere in the State.
“Now, Ease of Doing Business (EDB) is a significant factor for attracting potential investors, and Odisha has secured 7th position in terms of EDB. Investor sentiment becomes positive with enhanced facilitation of potential investors and simplification of business processes. It is, therefore, important that there must be a continuous dialogue and discussion to understand the issues concerning the investors,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik was speaking at a one-day seminar to deliberate on the role of Industries Promotion Officers (IPOs).
Maintaining that the MSME sector is one of the highest employment providers in any economy after agriculture, Patnaik said a healthy and vibrant MSME sector is vital for employment generation, development of entrepreneurship, distribution of economic activities and reduction of regional imbalances.
Patnaik asked the IPOs to work towards creating an industrial environment which encourages potential investors to set up their manufacturing facilities.
“Industries Promotion Officers are the foot soldiers of the MSME Department and, as such, their role is crucial for development of MSMEs at large,” Patnaik added.
The Chief Minister also distributed appointment letters to as many as 85 new IPOs.
MSME Minister Jogendra Behera highlighted different measures taken by his department for a healthy MSME sector. Department Secretary Surendra Kumar and Industries Director Nityananda Palai also attended the seminar.